Egypt 1956 20 piastres
This specimen was lot 3251 in Aureo y Calicó sale 422 (Barcelona, December 2023), where it sold for 20 € (about US$26 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "Egipto. AH 1375 (1956). 20 piastras. Rayitas. AG. MBC+ [scratches, choice very fine]." 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.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 14 g, 0.720 fine silver, 33 mm diameter, this specimen 14 g.
Catalog reference: KM 384.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Sisó, Teresa, Eduard Domingo and Lluís Lalana, Subasta 422: Subasta Numismatica, Barcelona: Aureo y Calicó, 2023.
Link to:
- AH 1374/1955 gold pound, 3rd anniversary of the revolution
- AH 1374/1955 gold 5 pounds, 3rd anniversary of the revolution
- AH 1375/1956 5 piastres, sphinx
- AH 1375/1956 25 piastres, Canal headquarters
- AH 1375/1956 50 piastres, evacuation of the British
- AH 1376/1957 25 piastres, inauguration of the National Assembly
- AH 1377/1957 gold pound, 5th anniversary of the revolution
- AH 1377/1957 gold 5 pounds, 5th anniversary of the revolution
- Coins and currency dated 1956