Iraq 1971 250 fils
This specimen was lot 72660 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, May 2023), where it sold for $360. The catalog description[1] noted, "IRAQ. 250 Fils, AH 1391/1971. NGC PROOF-66 Ultra Cameo. An elusive modern Iraqi piece, this handsome example displays a sharp ultra cameo contrast and much beauty on the surfaces. An impressive and wholesome example for any specialist in the series." Iraq, long a part of the Ottoman Empire, was seized by the British at the end of World War One but then granted independence under a local monarchy which ruled until 1958. In 1971, Iraq was dominated by a military regime but Saddam Hussein had not yet taken over. The Kurds would continue to be the victims of repression throughout his regime and after.
Recorded mintage: 500,000 + 1,000 proofs.
Specification: 15.15 g, nickel, 33 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-131.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, May 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, Featuring the Richard Elliott Collection of Hooknecks, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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