Kingdom of Egypt King Farouk I 2 Piastres Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Egyptian Mint, Cairo. Issued under the authority of the Ministry of Finance during the reign of Farouk I.
Pattern: Farouk I Uniformed Bust (Left Profile) with Arabic Calligraphy
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Egyptian Mint, Cairo. Issued under the authority of the Ministry of Finance during the reign of Farouk I.
Material
0.500 Silver (50% silver, 50% copper), a standard alloy for Egyptian circulating currency of the era.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19 mm; Weight: 2.8 grams (official specification). This is the small 2 Piastres denomination.
Description
An authentic silver circulation coin from the Kingdom of Egypt featuring the profile of King Farouk I. This piece represents the last era of the Egyptian monarchy before the 1952 revolution. The king is depicted in a military tunic and the traditional Tarbush (fez). The silver has developed a natural grey patina consistent with light circulation and storage.
Key Features
King Farouk's profile facing left; reeded edge; 0.500 silver fineness; Arabic calligraphy 'Farouk I, King of Egypt'.
Material & Composition
0.500 Silver (50% silver, 50% copper), a standard alloy for Egyptian circulating currency of the era.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with a beaded border. The obverse features King Farouk I in military uniform/fez. The reverse typically features the denomination and Hegira/Gregorian dates within a wreath or geometric scroll.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin contains Arabic inscriptions for 'Farouk I King of Egypt'. It lacks assay hallmarks common in hollowware but carries official mint strike markings.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck between two steel dies. Produced in a high-pressure minting press for mass circulation.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent 'clipping' of the silver content, a common security feature in bullion-based currency.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic object)
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die work typical of mid-20th-century state mints. Precise lettering and balanced relief demonstrate professional engraving by Royal mint artists.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth for a mint-issued coin; appropriate lettering thickness in Arabic; diameter and edge reeding match known Cairo Mint parameters.
Origin & Manufacturing
Egypt, Cairo Mint. The design follows French-influenced Egyptian numismatic traditions established in the late 19th century.
Era & Period
Kingdom of Egypt, Farouk Era (1936–1952). This specific design reflects the nationalistic Monarchy period.
Age Estimate
Dated likely 1937–1944 (Hegira 1356–1363). The most common years for this specific 2 Piastres issue are 1937 and 1944.
Cultural Significance
Represents the period of Egyptian sovereignty following the British protectorate era and preceding the establishment of the Republic. It exemplifies the blend of Arab identity and European-style portraiture.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extra Fine (XF) condition. Surface shows light circulation wear on the highest points of the King's hair and ear. Original luster is mostly gone, but the detail remains sharp with no major gouges.
Value Estimate
$5.00 – $15.00 USD. Value is driven by silver melt content (~$1.50) plus numismatic premium for the specific year and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule. Do not clean with silver polish as it destroys numismatic value; if necessary, use only warm distilled water.
Similar Pieces
1 Piastre (smaller), 5 Piastres (larger), and 10 Piastres (much larger). Often confused with the earlier Fuad I issues, which feature an older monarch profile.
Interesting Facts
King Farouk was a world-renowned collector of coins and watches; his personal collection, sold in 1954, remains one of the most famous auctions in numismatic history.