GIRAY KHANS: Shahin Giray, 1777-1783, AE ischal (85.62g), Kaffa, AH1191 year 5, A-2117, Ret-235, Sariev-470, 52mm, toughra reverse, with one knot ornament left, struck on a nice even planchet, VF, RR, ex Dick Nauta Collection. The ischal, also known as tschal, is a name derived from the Persian word "chahal", meaning "40". The ischal alloy is said to be a billon alloy containing 5% silver, but that has never been verified.
