Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事！
Sumatra Samudera Pasai Sultanate
Sultan Muhammad I
Gold Coin
Item number: A145
Year: AD 1297-1326
Material: Gold
Size: 10.0 x 10.0 mm / thick: 0.2~1.0 mm
Weight: 0.59 g
Provenance: Spink 2023
This object is a gold coin minted and issued during the reign of Sultan Muhammad I, the second Sultan of the Samudera Pasai Sultanate in Sumatra, Indonesia, from AD 1297 to AD 1326.
The obverse side of the coin bears two lines of Arabic inscription reading “محمد ملك الطاهر,” which translates to “Muhammad Malik the pious,” The periphery of the coin is adorned with decorative beads. Similarly, the reverse side of the coin features two lines of Arabic inscription reading “السلطان العادل,” meaning “the just Sultan,” with the outer rim embellished with small beads.
Sultan Muhammad I was the second Sultan of the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai, reigning from the year AD 1297 to AD 1326. As the eldest son of the founder of the kingdom, Malik Malikus Saleh, Muhammad I was appointed as his successor by his father in AD 1297.
It is worth mentioning that during the reign of Sultan Muhammad I, he was captured and remained absent from the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai for several years (presumed to be approximately between AD 1320 and AD 1323, possibly captured in Siam). During his absence, his youngest brother, Mansur, assumed the role of Sultan and entered into a relationship with one of Muhammad I’s wives. However, Mansur evidently did not anticipate the return of his brother.
Upon Sultan Muhammad I’s return to the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai, as a form of punishment, he exiled Mansur from the realm. Ultimately, Mansur met his demise while attempting to return to his homeland.
The Sultanate of Samudera Pasai existed from the 13th to the 16th centuries and was an Islamic sultanate located on the northern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. As one of the Sultanates situated at river mouths, the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai emerged as a crucial nexus for trade between the East and the West, facilitating trade networks with Arabia, India, and China.
The state actively issued gold coins for trade, with pepper serving as the primary commodity, thereby stimulating the overall economic prosperity of the nation. This flourishing trade activity attracted merchants from both within and outside the archipelago.
In the mid-14th century, the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai faced invasion and plunder by the Majapahit Empire. However, it managed to recover and maintain its dominant position in regional trade. Notably, in the mid-15th century, the renowned Chinese explorer Zheng He visited this country.
However, by the year AD 1524, the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai was brought to an end by the expansionist rule of the Sultanate of Aceh. Nevertheless, despite its brief history, the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai left a profound impact on the region.
