Assertion (A): Muhammad bin Tughlaq issued a new gold coin which was called Dinar by Ibn Batutah. Reason (R): Muhammad bin Tughlaq wanted to issue token currency in gold coins to promote trade with West Asian and North African countries.

Assertion (A) is true. Muhammad bin Tughlaq did issue a new gold coin, known for its high purity and weight, which was indeed called 'Dinar' by the traveler Ibn Batutah. Ibn Batutah extensively described these coins.

Reason (R) is false. Muhammad bin Tughlaq's famous experiment with 'token currency' involved the issuance of coins made of copper and brass, not gold. The aim was to replace silver coins due to a shortage of silver and to finance his ambitious projects. The gold coins he issued were not token currency; they were high-value, pure gold coins. Therefore, the premise that he wanted to issue token currency in gold coins is incorrect.

Since A is true and R is false, option C is the correct answer.