Morocco AH 1306-Fs falus
Under Moulay al-Hassan I, Morocco began production of milled coinage. Silver weights were standardized to a degree not obtainable in previous years. The denominations were changed to mazunas and dirhams, with 1 dirham = 50 mazunas. The 'crown' denomination was one rial, which was equal to ten dirhams. Starting from the time of al-Hassan I, the ruler was honored on the coins not directly by name, but by an word or expression that alluded to him.
Shown is a 2½ mazunas (1 falus) bronze coin from the Fez mint. The date is AH 1306, or 1893 AD. This specimen was lot 31406 in Heritage sale 3064 (Chicago, April 2018), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted, "Mouley al-Hasan Falus AH 1306 (1888) AU Details (Environmental Damage) NGC, Fes mint. A rare date for this controversial type; also attributed as a 2 Mazuna, much speculation has been given as to whether the 1306AH issue was intended for circulation at all or if it was a pattern. However, some worn examples do exist and so on balance it is theorized that they were designed as currency coins. Essentially a mint state coin with some grainy surface patination, fiery red luster evident beneath, and a strong strike."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 2.88 g, bronze.
Catalog reference: KM Y1.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Sanchez-Giron, J.M., Monedas de Marruecos, Ceuta, Spain: J.M. Sanchez-Giron, 1972.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach and Warren Tucker, Heritage World Coin Auction 3064, featuring the Doug Robins Collection of Canadian Tokens, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2018.
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