EGYPT: Ali Bey, rebellion, 1769-1771, AR piastre (40 para) (14.12g), Misr, AH[11]85, KM-117, UBK-36.02, toughra of Mustafa III // mint, date, and name 'ali, average strike, not from the sea-salvage, harshly cleaned, with his accession date 1183 below the reverse, VF, RR. Ali Bey Al-Kabir was originally a Mamluk soldier. Born in the region of Abkhazia in Georgia, Ali Bey was kidnapped and brought to Cairo in 1743 where he was sold into slavery. He was recruited into the Mamluk force in which he gradually rose in ranks and influence, winning the top office of sheikh al-balad (chief of the country) in 1760. He rose to prominence in 1768 when he rebelled against his Ottoman rulers making Egypt briefly independent. The insubordination of his most trusted general, Abu al-Dhahab, led to Ali Bey's exile then death outside the walls of Cairo.
Estimate: 450-600 USD