Moroccan 10 Francs Coin, French Protectorate Era
Coin/Bullion · Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris) for the Moroccan Protectorate. This institution is renowned for its high-quality numismatic production and serves as the official sovereign mint of France.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Coinage, Arabic and French legend series
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris) for the Moroccan Protectorate. This institution is renowned for its high-quality numismatic production and serves as the official sovereign mint of France.
Material
Aluminum-Bronze. Note: This item is not silver; it is a copper-based alloy known for its gold-like appearance when new and its characteristic brownish-gold tarnish over time.
Dimensions
Diameter: approximately 20mm; Weight: approximately 3 grams; Thickness: approximately 1.5mm. This fits the standard specifications for the 10 Francs denomination of this period.
Description
This is a 10 Francs coin from Morocco issued under the French Protectorate. Though it possesses a warm, metallic tone common to aged bronze, it contains no silver content. The obverse shown features bilingual text in both French and Arabic, symbolizing the dual administrative nature of the period. The design by Hainaut is characterized by its clean, mid-century typography and traditional Moroccan scrollwork flanking the central denomination.
Key Features
Bilingual inscription ('Maroc' and 'Al-Maghrib'), Aluminum-Bronze composition, designer signature 'J. Hainaut', and the crown-like decorative patterns.
Material & Composition
Aluminum-Bronze. Note: This item is not silver; it is a copper-based alloy known for its gold-like appearance when new and its characteristic brownish-gold tarnish over time.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck with a matte to semi-lustrous finish. Features Arabic calligraphy, the denomination '10 FRANCS', the word 'MAROC', and decorative geometric motifs influenced by Islamic art patterns.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin features the designer's signature 'J. HAINAUT' at the bottom left. While not a silver hallmark, this identifies the Engraver General's associate responsible for the die design.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coinage; manufactured using high-pressure mechanical presses on prepared planchets (metal blanks).
Functional Features
Sovereign currency featuring a reeded or smooth edge for preventing clipping and providing grip. Identifiable denomination for trade in the French Protectorate of Morocco.
Handle & Grip Details
None; as a coin, it is designed for tactile identification via its size and potentially a reeded edge (though heavily worn in this example).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-engraving typical of the Paris Mint, featuring balanced proportions and clear, legible strikes despite the heavy circulation wear.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font styles, signature placement, and metal color consistent with mid-century aluminum-bronze. The wear pattern is consistent with decades of circulation.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (Paris Mint) for use in Morocco. It represents the intersection of French colonial administration and Moroccan cultural identity.
Era & Period
French Protectorate of Morocco (1912–1956). This specific design reflects the mid-20th century colonial administration period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945–1952. This design was common during the post-WWII years before Morocco regained independence in 1956.
Cultural Significance
A numismatic relic of the colonial era, representing a transitional period in North African history where European and Islamic design elements were blended on state currency.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface wear and circulation marks are visible. The edges show considerable softening and minor nicks. Tarnish is heavy, with dark oxidation in the recessed areas (patina).
Value Estimate
$0.50 – $3.00 USD. Due to its high mintage and common composition (lacks precious metal), the value is primarily historical or for entry-level numismatic collections.
Care & Maintenance
As this is a common base-metal coin in circulated condition, it requires little maintenance. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or silver dips (which will not work and may damage the bronze). Store in a dry environment to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
5 Francs and 20 Francs coins of the same era (Hainaut design), which vary primarily in diameter and weight. Also, the 50 Francs silver coins of the same era which are significantly larger and white in color.
Interesting Facts
These coins were part of a currency system that tied the Moroccan Franc to the French Franc, illustrating the economic control exerted during the protectorate era.