Kingdom of Iraq King Faisal II 100 Fils Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Mint, London (on behalf of the Kingdom of Iraq). The Royal Mint is one of the world's most prestigious minting institutions, founded over 1,100 years ago.
Pattern: Faisal II Portrait Type; second coinage
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Mint, London (on behalf of the Kingdom of Iraq). The Royal Mint is one of the world's most prestigious minting institutions, founded over 1,100 years ago.
Material
500 Silver (50% silver, 50% copper), often referred to as 'low-grade' or 'billum' silver in numismatics.
Dimensions
Diameter: 29.0 mm; Weight: 10.0 grams; Thickness: approximately 1.9 mm.
Description
This silver coin depicts King Faisal II, the last King of Iraq. The obverse showcases the youthful King's profile, a symbol of the Hashemite dynasty's short-lived reign in Iraq. The craftsmanship is typical of British-minted colonial and mandate-era coinage, featuring sharp typography and a dignified royal likeness.
Key Features
Portrait of a young Faisal II, specific 50% silver alloy, Arabic legend 'Faisal II King of Iraq', and the distinct 29mm module size.
Material & Composition
500 Silver (50% silver, 50% copper), often referred to as 'low-grade' or 'billum' silver in numismatics.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with a raised relief portrait. Features the profile of King Faisal II facing right, surrounded by Arabic calligraphy. A decorative rope or beaded border circles the rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks as it is currency; instead, it features Arabic inscriptions (Kufic/Naskh styles) indicating the ruler's name and title. The reverse would typically contain the denomination and Hijri/Gregorian dates.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coinage; produced using heavy mechanical presses at the Royal Mint in London.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the precious metal; intended for use as 100 Fils (1/10th of a Dinar).
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (numismatic item).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die engraving by Royal Mint artists; despite the 50% purity, the strike is deep and the lettering is perfectly aligned, showing the precision of mid-20th-century British minting.
Authentication Indicators
Correct die-work characteristic of the Royal Mint; natural circulation wear; appropriate depth of Arabic lettering; correct diameter relative to the fingers shown.
Origin & Manufacturing
Country of Origin: Iraq; Manufactured in London, United Kingdom, at the Royal Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Iraq / Hashimite Monarchy (1939-1958). Designed during the late Mid-Century period before the 1958 Revolution.
Age Estimate
Circa 1953-1955. Based on the adult portrait of Faisal II (older than his 1939-1943 child-portrait issues).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of the Iraqi monarchy and the country's historical ties to the British Empire and the Hashemite lineage (descendants of the Prophet Muhammad).
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F). The coin shows significant surface wear, numerous contact marks, and light scratches across the portrait. Tarnish is visible in the recessed areas (toning). No major rim dings are visible.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. Value is driven primarily by its silver melt value ($4-$6) plus a premium for Iraqi monarchist history and collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver chemicals as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or a specialized archival capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1939-1943 Faisal II 'Young Boy' 100 Fils (shows the king as a child); 1930s King Ghazi 100 Fils; 1959 Republic 100 Fils (features the wheat/cogwheel emblem).
Interesting Facts
King Faisal II was famously deposed and executed during the 14 July Revolution in 1958 at the age of 23. Because the monarchy was abolished, many of these silver coins were pulled from circulation and melted or replaced by Republic currency.