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" The best coin is that which is employed in supplying men 

 with the necessaries of life, and that benefits the companions in the 

 road to God/' 



On another coin of the same value is this tetrastich, which is 

 more condensed in the Persian character than in an English trans- 

 lation : 



" The sun, from whom the seven seas obtain pearls. 



" The black stone from his rays obtains a jewel. 

 " The mine from the correcting influence of his beams obtains gold. 



" That gold is ennobled by the impression of Shah Akber. 

 " God is the greatest; mighty is his glory!" 



On the reverse the date of the month and year, with the fol- 

 lowing: tetrastich : 



" This coin, which is the garment of hope, carries an everlast- 

 " ing impression and immortal name." 



On some of the smaller coins were the following inscriptions in 

 Persian characters, some of them ornamented with a tulip and 

 wild -rose: 



" God is greatest!" — on the reverse, " O Defender!" " God is 

 " greatest! mighty is his glory!" — reverse, the date. 



" This current coin accompanies the star of good fortune ; the 

 sun nourishes it for this cause, that to eternity it may be ennobled 

 b}" the impression of Akber Shah." 



These are sufficient specimens of Akber's coins ; the seals of this 

 illustrious prince were equally characteristic of his piety and justice. 



On the seal for petitions were these words, 



" Rectitude is the means of pleasing God! 

 1 never saw any one lost in a straight road." 



