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50 Qirsh - Abdulaziz Bronze Pattern
| Issuer | Khedivate of Egypt |
|---|---|
| Year | 1872 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 50 Qirsh (0.50) |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Central field dominated by the elaborate Ottoman tughra of Sultan Abdulaziz, rendered in fine calligraphic relief with characteristic interlocking loops and sweeping diagonal strokes. Below the tughra, the Arabic numeral ٥٠ (50) denotes the denomination, flanked by the Latin word ESSAI to the left and the Gregorian date 1872 to the right. The entire design is contained within a plain inner field surrounded by a bold reeded border. The overall composition reflects the Ottoman imperial heraldic tradition adapted for an Egyptian essai striking. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse script | Arabic, Latin |
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| Additional information |
Egypt's monetary system in the early 1870s was under intense pressure from Khedive Ismail's catastrophic borrowing — within three years of this pattern's striking, the country would be effectively bankrupt. This bronze trial piece for a 50 Qirsh denomination almost certainly reflects exploratory work being done as Egypt attempted to rationalize its currency ahead of inevitable foreign creditor scrutiny. The denomination itself was never issued for circulation in bronze.
Abdulaziz, as Ottoman sultan, technically retained suzerainty over Egypt, making his name a constitutional requirement on Egyptian coinage despite the Khedivate's substantial autonomy.