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2 Francs - Muhammad VI Essai
| Issuer | Tunisia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1928 |
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| Shape | Round |
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| Obverse description | Central field bears multi-line Arabic inscriptions identifying the ruler Muhammad Al-Habib as Muddat Bey of Tunisia, flanked by two symmetrical palm or wheat branches rising from the base. The denomination '2 Francs' and the Hijri date 1347 are inscribed in Arabic script at the lower portion of the design. The entire composition is enclosed within a beaded border. The design is entirely typographic in character, with no effigy, relying solely on calligraphic elements and vegetal ornaments. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse features the denomination '2 FRANCS', the country name 'TUNISIE', and the Gregorian date '1928' inscribed in three lines within a central beaded circle. The mint mark 'A' for the Monnaie de Paris appears below the date, flanked by small decorative flourishes. The central circle is surrounded by an elaborate arabesque scrollwork border incorporating stylised foliate volutes and small five-pointed stars at the cardinal points. The entire design is enclosed within an outer beaded border. |
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| Additional information |
Essai pieces from the French Protectorate of Tunisia were produced in Paris as trial strikes for official approval, not for circulation. This 1928 essai predates the actual circulating 2 Francs issue and exists in multiple metal variants — the silver-plated brass composition of this example places it among the secondary trial strikes rather than the primary silver presentation pieces catalogued under Lec#290.
Muhammad VI al-Habib was Bey of Tunis from 1922 until his death in 1929, a reign defined largely by French administrative control with the Beylik reduced to ceremonial function.