The 1912 Essai pieces for Morocco were produced in Paris as the French Protectorate treaty was signed that March, effectively ending meaningful Alaoui monetary autonomy. The "biface" designation indicates this was a double-sided trial struck to test the design against an identical reverse — a proofing technique the Paris Mint used when finalizing dies for colonial and protectorate issues. Yusuf, who would reign until 1927, had his authority largely administered through the Résidence Générale from the outset.
Essais of this type exist in tiny quantities, struck for official approval rather than circulation.
The 1912 Essai pieces for Morocco were produced in Paris as the French Protectorate treaty was signed that March, effectively ending meaningful Alaoui monetary autonomy. The "biface" designation indicates this was a double-sided trial struck to test the design against an identical reverse — a proofing technique the Paris Mint used when finalizing dies for colonial and protectorate issues. Yusuf, who would reign until 1927, had his authority largely administered through the Résidence Générale from the outset.
Essais of this type exist in tiny quantities, struck for official approval rather than circulation.