Egypt 1955 pound
This specimen was lot 1010 in Sincona sale 18 (Zürich, May 2014), where it sold for CHF 375 (about US$494 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"1 Pound 1955. Fast FDC. (Egypt, one pound of 1955, choice uncirculated.)"
In 1953 the monarchy was ousted by a junta of army officers and the first republic established. After the initial euphoria, the junta, its support waning, decided to participate in the Arab attack on Israel of 1956. This resulted in ignominious defeat and only American intervention saved the regime. In 1958 Egypt, under Gamal Nasser, joined in a formal alliance with Syria. Thus, from 1958-1971, Egypt became officially the 'United Arab Republic'. The alliance with Syria did not last long, and the title was abandoned in 1971 during a purge of the Egyptian political system by Anwar Sadat. This commemorative was accompanied by a gold half pound (Fr-43) and five pounds (KM 388).
Recorded mintage: 16,000.
Specification: 8.50 g, 0.875 fine gold, .239 troy oz AGW, this specimen 8.36 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-115 (formerly Fr-40), KM 387.
- 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, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Numismatic Coins, Medals, & Banknotes: Auction 18, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2014.
Link to:
- AH 1374/1955 gold 5 pounds, 3rd anniversary of the revolution
- AH 1375/1956 5 piastres, sphinx
- AH 1375/1956 20 piastres, sphinx
- AH 1375/1956 25 piastres, Canal headquarters
- AH 1375/1956 50 piastres, evacuation of the British
- AH 1377/1957 gold pound, 5th anniversary of the revolution
- Coins and currency dated 1955
- return to coins of Egypt