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The Lebanon 50 Piastres 1952 KM#17 coin is a striking and historically resonant example of mid-20th century Middle Eastern silver coinage. Struck during the formative years of Lebanon’s modern independence, this silver coin reflects both the cultural heritage and the emerging national identity of a nation that had recently gained autonomy from French colonial rule. Minted in 1952, just nine years after Lebanon’s independence in 1943, this 50 Piastres piece occupies an important space in Lebanese numismatic history. Struck in high silver fineness and in Uncirculated (UNC) condition, the coin is notable for its well-preserved detail, attractive luster, and sharply defined artistry.
Lebanon’s post-independence coinage was heavily influenced by its complex past, blending elements of Ottoman, French, and native Lebanese symbolism. The 1952 50 Piastres coin belongs to a series introduced in the late 1940s, continuing into the early 1950s, that marked a departure from French mandate coinage and embraced the nation’s cultural and historical distinctiveness. The issuance of this silver coin also occurred during the presidency of Bechara El Khoury, Lebanon’s first post-independence president, and is reflective of a period of national consolidation and economic optimism. This was a time when silver coins were still regarded as instruments of trust and value in commerce, even as global economies were transitioning away from precious metal-based currencies.
The design of the 1952 50 Piastres coin is both elegant and symbolic. The obverse features a robust cedar tree, the national emblem of Lebanon, standing prominently at the center. The cedar is flanked by Arabic legends indicating the denomination and issuing country. The inscription reads "الجمهورية اللبنانية" (Al-Jumhūrīyah al-Lubnāniyah), meaning "Lebanese Republic," along with the denomination "٥٠ قرشاً" (50 Piastres). Below the tree, the date is shown in both Arabic numerals and the Arabic script. The cedar tree itself, an ancient symbol rooted in Phoenician and biblical history, evokes Lebanon’s mountainous geography and resilient national spirit. In Uncirculated condition, the fine lines of the tree’s foliage, the clarity of the script, and the brilliance of the background all remain crisp and intact, giving the coin a vivid presence.
The reverse of the coin carries the same denomination, date, and country name in French and Latin characters. The legend reads “REPUBLIQUE LIBANAISE – 50 PIASTRES – 1952.” A wreath of olive branches encircles the central text, a nod to peace and prosperity. The combination of Arabic and French inscriptions reflects Lebanon’s bilingual governance and its long-standing cultural bridge between the East and West. This bilingualism was not just a matter of practical communication—it was symbolic of Lebanon’s identity as a pluralistic and cosmopolitan nation. The reverse’s engraving style is sharp and classical, with careful attention to balance and symmetry. In UNC condition, the wreath's fine veins and the deeply impressed letters of the legends remain fully articulated, often with original mint luster and minimal to no contact marks.
The coin was struck at the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris), which handled many of Lebanon’s post-independence issues. This mint is known for its high standards of craftsmanship, and that is evident in the fine strike of this piece. The 1952 50 Piastres is made of .680 fine silver, with a diameter of 28 millimeters and a weight of approximately 10 grams. It features a reeded edge, consistent with most silver coinage of its caliber, serving both as a security feature and a visual enhancement. The high silver content and large planchet give the coin a satisfying heft and a bright, reflective surface when preserved in Uncirculated condition. Examples in this state are especially prized due to the relative scarcity of untouched specimens after decades of potential handling and environmental exposure.
The total mintage for the 1952 issue was limited, although exact figures are not always readily available. Many coins from this era saw circulation, and while silver hoarding during periods of economic uncertainty preserved some quantity, true Uncirculated examples remain uncommon. In the context of Lebanese coinage, silver issues were often melted or withdrawn from circulation during periods of currency reform or inflation, further reducing the number of high-quality surviving specimens. As a result, UNC examples with full luster, clean fields, and minimal marks command strong collector interest, particularly from those specializing in Middle Eastern or Francophone coinage.
Condition-wise, this particular example in Uncirculated grade shows full strike integrity, including strong relief on the cedar tree, bold legends on both sides, and a lustrous finish typical of fresh minting. Collectors seeking UNC examples of Lebanese silver coinage look for coins that exhibit sharp rim detail, undiminished high points, and a silky or satiny surface indicative of a first-strike or well-preserved specimen. The coin may also exhibit faint toning, especially around the edges, which can add character without detracting from its technical grade. In the case of the 1952 50 Piastres, the quality of the Paris Mint’s strike and the integrity of the design lend themselves well to preservation in high grades.
The broader historical and aesthetic appeal of this coin lies in its connection to Lebanon’s post-colonial emergence and its expression of national pride. The 50 Piastres denomination was a substantial amount in its time, used in both commercial exchange and ceremonial presentation. Collectors appreciate it as part of a larger numismatic narrative that includes the transition from Ottoman and French influence to a sovereign Lebanese monetary identity. Additionally, as global silver coinage diminished in the mid-20th century, coins like the 1952 50 Piastres stand as reminders of a time when nations still embedded intrinsic value in their circulating currency.
In conclusion, the Lebanon 50 Piastres 1952 KM#17 silver coin in Uncirculated condition is a finely crafted and historically significant artifact. It encapsulates Lebanon’s cultural symbolism, economic ambition, and post-independence resilience in a tangible and elegant form. For collectors of Middle Eastern coinage, world silver, or mid-century political transitions, this coin offers a fascinating intersection of beauty, rarity, and historical relevance. With its enduring cedar tree motif and brilliant preservation, the 1952 50 Piastres remains one of the most desirable classic Lebanese silver issues of the 20th century.