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 Ahmad II (With Lakab)
Tin coin
蘇門答臘 蘇木都剌國
蘇丹艾哈邁德二世錫幣
(刻字封號)
Item number: A140
Year: AD 1359-1361
Material: Tin
Size: 10.1 x 9.6 mm / thick: 0.3~1.0 mm
Provenance: Spink 2023
This object is a tin coin minted and issued during the reign of Sultan Ahmad II, the third Sultan of the Samudera Pasai Sultanate in Sumatra, Indonesia, from AD 1326 to AD 1360.
The obverse side of the coin bears two lines of Arabic inscription reading “Mu’iz Ad-Din,” which is Ahmad II’s lakab, meaning “Who gives glory to the faith.” Similarly, the reverse side of the coin features two lines of Arabic inscription reading “السلطان العادل,” meaning “the just Sultan.”
This coin is presumed to have been minted during the period of exile of Ahmad II to Menduga. Around AD 1360, Ahmad II fled due to the invasion of the Majapahit Empire and established a stronghold in a place called Menduga. In comparison to coins minted during other periods of Ahmad II (see related artefacts) and those of Ahmad III with the same name, the coins minted by Ahmad II during this time are relatively flat with a longer diameter, yet maintaining a weight of approximately 0.6 grams.
This coin not only exhibits unique dimensions but also bears inscriptions speculated to be the titles of Ahmad II, thereby categorising it as a relatively rare artefact. It represents distinctive coinage from the reign of Ahmad II.
Sultan Ahmad II, the third Sultan of the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai, was the son of Sultan Muhammad I. He reigned approximately from AD 1326 to AD 1360. Around the year AD 1360, due to the invasion by the Majapahit Empire, Ahmad II was compelled to leave the capital of Samudera Pasai and establish a base in a place called Menduga.
Ahmad II embarked on a relatively lengthy reign during his time in power. However, as he endured exile and evaded external threats, he had already reached an advanced age. Consequently, it is believed that he passed away shortly after his exile.
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.