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50 Centimes - Yusuf Piedfort Essai, 10g Cu-Ni
| Issuer | Cherifian Empire (French Protectorate of Morocco) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1925 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Central field displays the bold numeral '50' flanked by the denomination legend 'CEN-TIMES' in Latin, all contained within a recessed eight-pointed star-shaped frame formed by interlocking geometric bands. Above the numeral, the Arabic word قطعة (meaning 'piece') appears, with the denomination سنتيم (centimes) in Arabic script below. The word ESSAI is inscribed in small Latin capitals beneath the central denomination panel, confirming the trial or pattern status of the piece. The entire design is surrounded by an elaborate arabesque border of scrolling foliage and floral rosettes within the dodecagonal flan, reflecting the ornate Franco-Moroccan artistic style of the Paris Mint's work for the Protectorate. |
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| Reverse lettering | قطعة 50 CEN- TIMES سنتيم ESSAI |
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| Additional information |
Piedforts are double-thickness trial strikes produced for official examination and archival purposes — not for circulation — and Morocco's French Protectorate administration used them extensively during the 1920s as Paris debated coinage reforms for the territory. This essai was struck at the Paris Mint under the authority of the Résidence générale, which controlled Moroccan fiscal policy while Sultan Yusef reigned as nominal sovereign. The arrangement was explicit: the Sultan's name appeared on the coinage, but the French Treasury determined the denominations, alloys, and production schedules.
Surviving examples are institutional survivors rather than collected pieces — most were filed with the Monnaie de Paris or distributed to officials.