GIRAY KHANS: Shahin Giray, 1777-1783, AE kopeck (13.69g), Baghcha-Saray, AH1191 year 5, A-2119, Ret-240, 3rd series, nice even strike, VF-EF, ex Dick Nauta Collection. The 3rd series kopeck is distinguished by both its heavier weight and the oblique reeded edge instead of the floral pattern edge. The regnal year 5 is scarce, years 6 and 7 are both very rare.

The Giray Khans were the rulers of the Crimean Khanate from 1441 to 1783.  The Khanate was also known by following names; Qırım Hanlığı, Qırım Yurtu, Great Horde, Desht-i Kipchak, and in old European historiography and geography as Little Tartary or Tartaria Minor. This Crimean Tatar state was the longest-lived of the Turkic khanates that succeeded the empire of the Golden Horde. Established by Hacı I Giray in 1441, it was regarded as the direct heir to the Golden Horde and to Desht-i-Kipchak. The Giray Khanate was annexed by Catherine the Great of Russia. On 8 April 1783, in violation of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, Catherine II intervened in the civil war, de facto annexing the whole Crimean Peninsula as the Taurida Governorate.

Estimate: 80-110 USD