Kingdom of Egypt King Farouk I 2 Piastres Silver Coin
Coin/Numismatic Item · The Royal Mint of Egypt (Cairo Mint) under the authority of King Farouk I.
Pattern: Standard Portrait Obverse, Royal Cipher/Denomination Reverse (1937-1952 series).
Type
Coin/Numismatic Item
Maker
The Royal Mint of Egypt (Cairo Mint) under the authority of King Farouk I.
Material
Silver alloy, specifically .500 fineness (50% silver, 50% copper), typical for regional Egyptian circulating coinage of the mid-20th century.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19 mm; Weight: Approximately 2.8 grams. Thickness: 1.1 mm.
Description
This small silver coin represents the final era of the Egyptian monarchy. It depicts King Farouk I, who ascended to the throne at age 16 and was the last ruling king of Egypt. The obverse is characterized by the King wearing the traditional Egyptian tarbush (fez), symbolizing national identity against British colonial influence. The silver content, while lower than sterling, provided intrinsic value to the currency during a period of significant regional geopolitical shifts.
Key Features
Left-facing youthful portrait of Farouk I, Military Fez (Tarbush) headwear, Arabic script reading 'Farouk I, King of Egypt', and .500 silver purity.
Material & Composition
Silver alloy, specifically .500 fineness (50% silver, 50% copper), typical for regional Egyptian circulating coinage of the mid-20th century.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated numismatic finish with die-struck relief. Features the left-facing bust of King Farouk I in military uniform with fez; beaded border and Arabic calligraphic inscriptions.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silversmith hallmarks; stamped with numismatic value '2 Piastres' and Hijri/Gregorian dates (likely AH 1356 or AH 1363) on the reverse (not fully visible here).
Construction Details
Machine die-struck on a prepared planchet; reeded edge to prevent clipping or debasement.
Functional Features
Monetary currency used for exchange; reeded edges serve as a security and anti-counterfeiting measure.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard coin form intended for handheld manual exchange.
Craftsmanship Details
Standardized industrial minting; clear letter-spacing and uniform edge reeding indicate high-quality state-controlled production standards.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic die-wear patterns, correct Arabic typography for the Royal Mint, and evidence of high-pressure striking rather than casting. Toning pattern is consistent with low-purity silver-copper alloys.
Origin & Manufacturing
Cairo, Egypt; manufactured at the national mint using modern high-pressure minting presses.
Era & Period
Kingdom of Egypt, Farouk Era (1936-1952), specifically the post-accession period reflecting his adult portrait.
Age Estimate
Circa 1937-1944 based on the specific youthful military portrait of King Farouk I before the 1952 revolution.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of Egyptian sovereignty during the transition from British protectorate status to an independent kingdom; the coin reflects the fusion of Western military style and Middle Eastern tradition.
Condition Notes
Grade: Good (G) to Very Good (VG). Significant surface wear, loss of detail in the King's ear and hair, numerous micro-scratches, and moderate tarnish/toning consistent with long-term circulation.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD. Value is driven by silver melt price and basic numismatic demand for Middle Eastern royal history rather than rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or scrub; numismatic value is destroyed by cleaning. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival envelope to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
10 Piastre and 20 Piastre silver coins of the same era (larger, higher silver weight); also British Occupation Piastres which lack Farouk's portrait.
Interesting Facts
King Farouk was one of the world's most prolific collectors, amassing a legendary coin collection including a 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, though he ironically appears on this humble 2 Piastre piece.