Egypt 1865 20 centimes Suez Canal KM-Tn1
This specimen was lot 2354 in Jean Elsen sale 163 (Brussels, November 2025), where it sold for €320 (about US$370 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "EGYPT, Suez Canal, Cu 20 centimes, 1865. Ch. & A. Bazin. Minor marks on obv. Very Fine." The coin shown is a 20 centimes Suez Canal token, issued by Borel Lavalley et Cie. These tokens were issued during the construction of the Suez Canal for use as money by company employees. Construction of the canal began in 1859 and completed in 1869. The obverse features a ship, presumably passing through the future canal, and the issuer and denomination on the reverse. All script is in French.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, 15 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM Tn1, G.C. 2; Lecompte 4.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 163, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
Link to:
- Egypt 1865 20 centimes Suez Canal KM-Tn5, Borel Lavalley & Co.
- Egypt 1865 50 centimes Suez Canal KM-Tn2, Ch. & A. Bazin
- Egypt 1865 50 centimes Suez Canal KM-Tn6, Borel Lavalley & Co.
- Egypt 1865 1 franc Suez Canal KM-Tn7, Borel Lavalley & Co.
- Egypt 1865 5 francs Suez Canal KM-Tn4, Ch. & A. Bazin
- Egypt 1892 5 francs Suez Canal KM-Tn14, Societé Cooperative du Canal de Suez
- Coins and currency dated 1865