Tunisia AH 1273 5 piastres
The coin shown is a silver five piastres from the reign of Sultan Abdul Mejid, minted in Tunis. From AH 1272, all coins exhibited reference to the local ruler (or Bey) of Tunis, along with the Ottoman sultan. Tunisia was under the control of the Ottomans for centuries until lack of financial resources forced it into dependence on France, which made it a protectorate in 1881.
This specimen was lot 183 on Dec 13, 2011 at the Kunker Auction #199 in Osnabruck, Germany, where it sold for 775 euros. The catalog description reads:
"OSMANISCHE MÜNZEN Münzen nach der Münzreform von 1845 Silberprägungen der Münzstätte Tûnis 5 Riyal 1273 H., Tûnis. Mit Muhammad Bay (1271-1276 H.). RR Vorzüglich (Ottoman coins of the reform of 1845, Tunis mint, silver five riyals of AH 1273, very rare, extremely fine)"
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 16.0 g, silver, this specimen 15.63 g.
Catalog reference: Fenina 347; KM 121; Ölcer 31.721; Pere -.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
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