Egyptian 1 Pound Bimetallic Circulation Coin (Tutankhamun)
Coin / Bullion · Mint Authority of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Cairo Mint. The Cairo Mint is responsible for the national coinage of Egypt and is known for producing commemorative and circulation pieces reflecting Egypt's ancient heritage.
Pattern: King Tutankhamun Circulation Series, first introduced in 2005 as part of Egypt's currency modernization.
Type
Coin / Bullion
Maker
Mint Authority of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Cairo Mint. The Cairo Mint is responsible for the national coinage of Egypt and is known for producing commemorative and circulation pieces reflecting Egypt's ancient heritage.
Material
Bimetallic composition. Not silver. The center core is brass-plated steel (gold-tone), and the outer ring is nickel-plated steel (silver-tone). It does not contain precious metals like sterling silver or gold.
Dimensions
Diameter: 25mm. Weight: 8.5 grams. Thickness: 2.6mm. These are standard specifications for the Egyptian one pound bimetallic coin.
Description
This is a standard circulation one pound coin from the Arab Republic of Egypt. It features the world-renowned burial mask of the Boy King, Tutankhamun, on its bimetallic center. While the outer ring has a silver appearance due to nickel plating, it is a base-metal coin used for daily transactions rather than a silver collector's item or bullion piece.
Key Features
Bimetallic ring and core; mask of Tutankhamun; brass and nickel plating over a steel core. Identification is immediate due to the pharaonic imagery.
Material & Composition
Bimetallic composition. Not silver. The center core is brass-plated steel (gold-tone), and the outer ring is nickel-plated steel (silver-tone). It does not contain precious metals like sterling silver or gold.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated satin finish. The obverse features the iconic gold mask of King Tutankhamun in raised relief. The outer ring features decorative patterns and Arabic text. The reverse (not shown) typically displays the denomination and the state title.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silversmith hallmarks. Numerical denomination and 'Arab Republic of Egypt' in Arabic script appear on the reverse. Date is typically indicated in both AH (Hijri) and AD (Gregorian) years.
Construction Details
Machine-struck, die-pressed bimetallic construction. Produced by high-speed industrial minting presses using two separate metal blanks (planchets) that are joined during the striking process.
Functional Features
Reeded (milled) edge for security and grip; bimetallic design to hinder counterfeiting.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard coin form.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial production quality. The striking is crisp and symmetrical, though it lacks the hand-finished detail of sterling silver medals or proof-set coins.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and diameter consistency with Egyptian Central Bank standards; sharp relief on the Tutankhamun figure; magnetic properties (steel core is magnetic). This is a common circulation coin and is likely authentic.
Origin & Manufacturing
Egypt, Cairo. Manufactured by the Mint Authority of Egypt using automated hydraulic presses to ensure uniformity for mass circulation.
Era & Period
Modern Era; Contemporary Egyptian coinage (2005 - Present). Stylistic indicators include the use of bimetallic technology popularized in the late 20th century.
Age Estimate
Produced between 2005 and 2024. The specific year is visible on the reverse side of the coin.
Cultural Significance
The coin serves as a daily reminder of Egypt's Pharaonic history for millions of citizens. It represents the modernization of the Egyptian economy and the transition from paper to more durable metal currency for small denominations.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The coin shows signs of circulation wear, slight surface scratches, and typical tarnish for plated steel. No significant structural damage or corrosion visible.
Value Estimate
Face value of 1 Egyptian Pound (EGP), which is approximately $0.02 to $0.05 USD. Collector value for uncirculated specimens is roughly $1.00 - $3.00 USD.
Care & Maintenance
No specialized silver care is needed as the item is steel. Avoid harsh acids which can strip the plating. For collectors, simple storage in a moisture-free environment is sufficient to prevent the steel core from rusting at the edges.
Similar Pieces
The British Two Pound (£2) coin and the Euro (€2) coin; both are bimetallic but differ in imagery, size, and metal composition (which are copper-nickel and nickel-brass alloys).
Interesting Facts
When first introduced in 2005, this coin replaced the one pound banknote in general circulation. The design was chosen to celebrate Egyptian heritage and increase the durability of the currency in the hot, humid climate.