1838.] of printing coins in facsimile. 415 



My first trial was so encouraging that I at once resolved on carrying 

 the plan into execution on an extensive scale, and I have now prepared 

 for the press upwards of two hundred coins done in this novel and 

 exceedingly simple manner. 



As however it will be in every respect more convenient to present 

 them in a continued series as an accompaniment to my tables of the value 

 of Indian coins already published, I propose merely to introduce into 

 the pages of the Journal a few examples of such coins as are new, rare, 

 or from other causes worthy of particular description. 



But first, in deference to the established custom in such cases, I must 

 assign to this newly invented art some Greek polysyllabic appellation ; 

 and (without intending the undignified lapsus of a pun) I cannot pro- 

 pose one more expressive of the process than Rupography — not from 

 rupee the common designation of our Indian money, nor yet from the 

 Sanskrit word rupa ' form, likeness,' but in a genuine and orthodox man- 

 ner from the Greek pviros, sigilaris cera, or sealing-wax, the substance 

 upon which the impression of the coin is first received and which will 

 itself serve as the printing material, if it be not desired to preserve the 

 block in the more durable material of type metal, by a second transfer 

 from the sealing-wax to a clay or gypsum mould into which the latter 

 substance can be cast in the usual manner. Some sharpness of outline 

 js lost by this triple operation, and where a great many copies are not 

 required the rupo graphical process may be safely confined to the first 

 stage, or simple impression on sealing-wax. 



As a first specimen, then, of the capabilities of this art of rupography 

 I select a coin, or rather medal purchased by myself some years ago at 

 Benares. It is of Husein Shah generally accounted the last Sufi 

 monarch of Persia; for after his abdication in A. H. 1135, his son 

 Tamasp held but a nominal sovereignty, the real power being usurped 

 by Mahmud the Afghan. 



Marsden would designate this as one of the medals of the Persian 

 kings properly so called, intended to be hung and worn on the neck. 

 It had, when I bought it, a hasp for suspension ; but still I do not ima- 

 gine it to have been struck for that express purpose, but rather as a 

 crown piece for distribution to courtiers on a birth-day, as is still the 

 custom at Delhi, at Lukhnow and other native courts. It is of nearly 

 pure silver, and weighs 844.3 grains, a little short of five rupees, and 

 somewhat above as much in value. 



Marsden gives the drawing of another medal of the same monarch, 

 which has merely the usual coin inscription. 



The following is the numismatical description of my medal . 



