1 Besa - Victor Emmanuel III

Uitgever Italian Somaliland
Jaar 1909-1921
Type Standard circulation coin
Waarde 1 Besa (0.01)
Valuta Rupia (1893-1925)
Samenstelling Bronze
Gewicht 2.5 g
Diameter 20 mm
Dikte
Vorm Round
Techniek Milled
Oriëntatie
Graveur(s) Luigi Giorgi
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) KM#1
Beschrijving voorzijde Half-bust Vittorio Emanuele III facing left.
Schrift voorzijde Latin
Opschrift voorzijde VITTORIO · EMANVELE · III · RE · D` ITALIA L. GIORGI
(Translation: Vittorio Emanuele III King of Italy L. Giorgi)
Beschrijving keerzijde Value in Arabic and Italian in circle surrounded by name of ruling authority in Arabic and Italian.
Schrift keerzijde Arabic, Latin
Opschrift keerzijde بلاد الصومال الايطاليانية ١ بيزا 1 BESA 1909 R· SOMALIA ITALIANA
(Translation: Italian Somaliland 1 Besa 1 Besa 1909 R· Italian Somalia)
Rand Smooth
Muntplaats R
Rome, Italy (476-date)
Oplage 1909 R - - 2 000 000
1910 R - - 500 000
1913 R - - 200 000
1921 R - - 500 000
Numisquare-ID 5431398580
Aanvullende informatie

Historical Context: This 1 Besa coin, issued for Italian Somaliland from 1909 to 1921, marks a foundational step in Italy’s East African colonial monetary history. Bearing Victor Emmanuel III’s effigy, it symbolized Italian sovereignty and administrative control. As the lowest denomination, it facilitated daily transactions, replacing varied foreign currencies and barter, thereby integrating the local economy into the Italian colonial system during a period of significant imperial expansion. This issue, cataloged as KM#1, signifies the formal establishment of a distinct colonial currency.

Artistry: The coin’s design adheres to the neoclassical numismatic style prevalent in early 20th-century European coinage, likely by engravers such as Giuseppe Giorgi of the Rome Mint. The obverse features a dignified, bare-headed portrait of Victor Emmanuel III facing left, embodying monarchical authority. The reverse prominently displays "1 BESA" and "SOMALIA ITALIANA" with the date, often framed within a classical wreath motif, signifying the colonial entity and its monetary unit. The overall aesthetic is clean and functional, typical for colonial issues.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze (2.5 grams, 20 millimeters), the 1 Besa exhibits typical circulating colonial coinage characteristics. High-points for wear on the obverse include the king’s hair above the ear and his cheekbone. On the reverse, the raised lettering and central design elements are critical. Early strikes show crisp detail; however, later issues or heavily circulated examples often present weakness, and bronze is susceptible to environmental toning and corrosion, which can obscure finer details.

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