Kingdom of Morocco 1 Dirham Coin c. 1974 (AH 1394)
Coin/Bullion · Bank Al-Maghrib (Central Bank of Morocco), minted under the authority of the Moroccan government.
Pattern: Standard circulation coinage featuring the Moroccan Royal Coat of Arms, introduced during the reign of King Hassan II.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Bank Al-Maghrib (Central Bank of Morocco), minted under the authority of the Moroccan government.
Material
Copper-nickel alloy (typically 75% copper, 25% nickel), containing no actual silver despite typical collector interest in world coinage.
Dimensions
Standard 1 Dirham specifications: approximately 24 mm in diameter, round form, with a standard circulation weight of approximately 6.0 grams.
Description
A circulated 1 Dirham coin from the Kingdom of Morocco, dated 1974 (AH 1394). The obverse displays the intricate Moroccan royal coat of arms with rampant lions and a central star, flanked by the dual dates in Western and Arabic numeral systems. The coin reflects the standard numismatic output of Morocco during the mid-1970s under King Hassan II.
Key Features
Dual dating system displaying both Gregorian (1974) and Islamic (1394) years; detailed representation of the Moroccan Royal Coat of Arms.
Material & Composition
Copper-nickel alloy (typically 75% copper, 25% nickel), containing no actual silver despite typical collector interest in world coinage.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a reeded edge, featuring the Moroccan coat of arms depicting a pentagram before the Atlas Mountains surmounted by a rising sun, supported by two lions.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not applicable to standard base-metal currency; bears standard state mint designations, numerical denominations in Arabic and Western numerals, and dual Gregorian/Islamic calendar years (1974 / 1394).
Construction Details
Machine-struck, high-volume coin minting using modern industrial coin presses and die-striking techniques.
Functional Features
Standard circulating medium of exchange with reeded edges to deter clipping.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable to this item type.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced coin striking exhibiting clean die execution, symmetrical lettering, and standard industrial mint tolerances.
Authentication Indicators
Correct weight, diameter, alignment, and lettering consistent with official Bank Al-Maghrib mint specifications for 1974 one-dirham coins.
Origin & Manufacturing
Rabat, Morocco, produced at the national mint facilities under strict governmental currency regulations.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Modern Period, post-independence Morocco under King Hassan II).
Age Estimate
Dated precisely to 1974 based on the clearly stamped Gregorian year 1974 and Islamic year 1394.
Cultural Significance
Represents the economic and national identity of Morocco during a period of modernization and administrative consolidation under King Hassan II.
Condition Notes
Moderate circulation wear with surface scuffs, dulling of high-relief details, and overall tarnish/oxidation typical of base-metal copper-nickel alloys. Grade is generally Circulated (Fine to Very Fine).
Value Estimate
Nominal face value to low numismatic value (typically under $1.00 USD), as millions were minted for general circulation and the metal composition is copper-nickel rather than precious silver.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry, inert-plastic coin flip or mylar holder to prevent further environmental oxidation; avoid harsh cleaning or chemical dips which damage numismatic surfaces.
Similar Pieces
Other mid-20th-century Moroccan denominations (such as the 10 and 50 santimat or 5 dirhams) sharing similar heraldic design motifs.
Interesting Facts
The dual dating system using both the common era (Gregorian) and Islamic (Hijri) calendars is a standard practice for official documentation and currency in many Islamic nations.