20 Para - Mahmud II type B

Tripoli's regency coinage under the Karamanli dynasty occupied an awkward monetary position — nominally Ottoman in type but struck locally with inconsistent alloy control, which is why billon pieces from this period vary so dramatically in silver content. The 1808 date places this issue early in the long reign of Mahmud II, who had only just taken the throne following the deposition and execution of Mustafa IV.

Karamanli Tripoli retained effective autonomy from Istanbul throughout this period, and the local mint exercised that independence freely.