1 Somalo

Historical Context: The 1 Somalo coin, issued by Italian Somaliland in 1950, represents a pivotal moment in the territory's post-colonial history. Following World War II, Italian Somaliland transitioned from British Military Administration to the United Nations Trust Territory of Somaliland under Italian Administration (A.F.I.S.). This issue marks the re-establishment of Italian administrative authority, albeit under international mandate, paving the way for eventual independence. The coinage served to stabilize the local economy and symbolize the new administrative structure, replacing earlier British East African currency.

Artistry: While the specific engraver for this issue is not widely documented, the coin exhibits the characteristic precision and clean lines associated with Italian minting practices of the mid-20th century. The obverse typically features the emblem of the Trust Territory: a shield bearing a lion rampant, surmounted by a star, symbolizing the region's identity and its future aspirations. The reverse design is straightforward, displaying the large denomination "1 SOMALO" and the date "1950", often flanked by stars or simple decorative elements, reflecting a functional yet aesthetically balanced approach.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon (.250 silver, with copper, zinc, and nickel), this 7.6-gram, 26.7-millimeter coin presents specific grading considerations. High points for wear on the obverse include the lion's head and mane, as well as the points of the star. On the reverse, the raised lettering of the denomination and date are susceptible to flattening. The billon alloy, while containing silver, can sometimes exhibit minor planchet imperfections or uneven striking, which should be assessed. A strong strike will show full detail in the lion's fur and sharp star points.