Golconda: Silver Coin of Hyderabad, Land of the Diamonds (Black Box)

Golconda: Silver Coin of Hyderabad, Land of the Diamonds (Black Box). Golconda is renowned for the diamonds found at Kollur Mine, its name synonymous with vast wealth. For centuries, India has the only known diamond mines in the world. Golconda was the market city of the diamond trade, and its mines produced such famous gems as Daria-i-Noor (pictured on front), Noor-ul-Ain, Koh-i-Noor, the Regent Diamond, the Princie Diamond, and the Hope Diamond. The mines brought riches to Qutb Shahis of Hyderabad State, and then the Nizam of Hyderabad, who ruled from1724 until 1948. This silver rupee, featuring the Four Minarets gateway on the obverse, was issued by Mir Usman Ali Khan of Hyderabad, beneficiary of Golconda.