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Moroccan Gold Coins

Brief Moroccan History
According to the CIA:

In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Improvements in human rights have occurred and there is a largely free press. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.

Moroccan Gold Coins
Early Kingdom of Morocco gold coins were hammered Dinars and Benduqui (or Bonduqi), which had standard weights of 3.52 grams. Half and quarter gold dinars were also issued. These hammered coins persisted until the end of the reign of Mohammed IV in 1873.
The next gold coinage issue was for Mohammed V in 1952, as a rare 50 Franc denomination.
The First Banking Corporation issued a 500 Dirhams in 1954, which bears no date or denomination, for the Tangier International Zone, which existed from 1912 to Moroccan independence in 1956. Although Krause states this to show no mint name, the reverse states it to be refined by Rothschild. This can be seen in our photographs.
On the resumption of the Kingdom in 1962, further gold coins denominated in Dirhams were issued as a "reform" coinage, and there was a further coinage reform in 1999.

First Banking Corporation of Tangier
We can find little information about the First Banking Corporation as evidenced on these unusual coins or bars. It is clear that they were issued in its name.

Coins or Bars?
These are shown in Krause's World Gold Coins as 500 Dirham coins, and we have no reason to doubt this status, but we have also listed these coins as One Ounce Rothschild First Banking Corporation Tangier Round Gold Bars.

Description
Obverse
Naked, standing figure of Hercules, holding a robe over his left arm, and leaning on a club.
The legend (inscription) reads:
FIRST BANKING CORPORATION TANGIER

Reverse
The words REFINED BY above a circular Rothschild stamp:
N.M. ROTHSCHILD & SONS, with
R.M.R. (for Royal Mint Refinery) in its inner circle.
The legend around the outside reads:
ONE FINE OUNCE TROY (GRMS 31.103) OF GOLD ASSAY 916.7

Edge
The edge is miiled, and the coin is 4.25 mms thick.

Specifications
Technical specifications of the most frequently encountered Moroccan gold coins.
DenominationDiameterWeightAlloyAGW
500 Dirhams, One Ounce25.533.9300.91671.0000

Key
Denomination = Face value
Diameter = Approximate Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Weight in grams.
Alloy = Fineness of gold.
AGW = Actual fine gold weight in troy ounces.

Prices & Availability
Please telephone for current prices and availability.
DateHejira DateDenominationDescriptionGradeMintageAvailabilityPrice £Price $
1954 500 Dirhams One OunceFirst Banking Corporation RothshildVF to EF Sold£675$1,350

Notes

Please check our Standard Terms for Bullion Coins.
You may wish to use our Order Form UK
Order Form USA.

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order

Moroccan Silver and Base Metal Coins
For silver and base metal coins of Morocco, please look at our original Chard Coins website.

Reverse of 1954 Tangier One Ounce Rothschild Gold Bar

One Ounce Rothschild Mocatta Goldsmid Gold Bar

Countries

Gold Bullion Bars

~Obverse of 1954 Tangier One Ounce Rothschild Gold Bar

Obverse of 1954 Tangier One Ounce Rothschild Gold Bar

 


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