Egypt AH 1203(13) 20 para
The coin shown is a billon twenty para, from the reign of Sultan Selim III. It was struck at the Cairo Mint. The obverse bears the toughra, or signature, of the sultan. The reverse carries the accession date and the text minted in Misr (Misr is Arabic for Egypt). The date is written as AH 1203 year 13, which translates to about 1801 AD. This coin was minted during the occupation of Egypt by the French forces under Napoleon.
The first specimen was lot 20821 in Heritage sale 3010 (Boston, August 2010), where it sold for $1,725. The catalog description[1] noted, "Selim III 20 Para AH1203 Year 13 Napoleonic Occupation, lightly toned XF with original mint luster, minor stain to the right of the tughra. Very rare type struck during the French occupation of Egypt from 1798-1801AD. One of the nicest examples of this fascinating coinage that we have seen with well-struck details on both sides." The second coin pictured was lot 13194 in Heritage sale 357 (September 8, 2004). The catalog description[2] noted, "Napoleonic Occupation. 20 Para 1203/13AH (1800), Nice VF, strong details and a very desirable example of this rare type. From the Lake Pearl Middle Eastern Collection."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 6.158 g, 28 mm, billon, the second specimen 29 mm, 6.39 grams.
Catalog reference: KM 148, DeMey 861.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Tucker, Warren, Scott Cordry and John Kraljevich, Heritage Sale 3010: World Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2010.
- [2]Tucker, Warren, and Scott Cordry, Heritage Signature Auction 3004: World Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2009.
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