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The Morocco 1 Dirham coin dated 1960 and cataloged as Y#55 is a beautifully struck silver coin that reflects the country’s emergence into modern statehood following its independence from French colonial rule in 1956. This issue represents not only Morocco’s return to monetary sovereignty but also the reestablishment of its historical and cultural identity through numismatic art. The coin was minted during the reign of King Mohammed V, whose leadership was instrumental in leading Morocco into its post-independence era. As a result, this silver Dirham stands as both a monetary instrument and a national symbol, rich in historical significance and collectible appeal.
King Mohammed V is widely regarded as a national hero in Morocco. His return from exile and negotiations with France were crucial in securing the country’s independence. By 1960, just four years after the end of the French Protectorate, the Moroccan state was in the process of reorganizing its currency and symbols to reflect its sovereignty. The issuance of the 1 Dirham silver coin was part of this initiative. Replacing the franc-based coins that had circulated during the colonial era, the new dirham currency marked a vital step in the establishment of an independent Moroccan monetary system. The 1960 issue is especially significant as one of the first silver coins of the modern Moroccan kingdom.
The obverse of the 1960 1 Dirham coin features a finely detailed portrait of King Mohammed V in profile, facing left. The king is depicted wearing a traditional Moroccan fez, a symbol of national pride and heritage. Surrounding the portrait is a legend in Arabic script, identifying the king and denoting his role as the ruler of Morocco. The precision of the engraving is notable, particularly in the facial features and fabric folds of the headgear, showcasing a blend of traditional symbolism with modern minting techniques. This side of the coin communicates the monarch’s pivotal place in the newly independent Moroccan state.
The reverse design is equally compelling, showcasing the emblem of the Kingdom of Morocco prominently in the center. The national coat of arms includes a shield bearing a rising sun behind the Atlas Mountains, flanked by two lions as supporters. Above the shield is a five-pointed star and a royal crown, symbolizing the monarchy and Islamic heritage. Below the arms is a ribbon with the national motto in Arabic, meaning “If you glorify God, He will glorify you.” The date “1960” appears in Western numerals to the left of the emblem and in Arabic numerals to the right, bridging Morocco’s linguistic and cultural traditions. The face value “1 Dirham” is inscribed at the bottom in both Arabic and Latin scripts.
The coin was struck at the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris), which had historically produced much of Morocco’s currency during the French Protectorate and continued to assist in minting operations during the transitional years following independence. The quality of production is excellent, with sharp strikes and smooth, even surfaces typical of French minting standards. Although Morocco would later establish its own minting facilities, the 1960 silver Dirham represents a collaborative effort that balances national sovereignty with established technical expertise.
The 1960 1 Dirham was struck in .835 fine silver, giving it a total silver content of approximately 0.1342 troy ounces. The coin has a diameter of 29 millimeters and a weight of 10 grams, making it a medium-sized silver issue with a substantial feel in hand. The choice of silver for this denomination reflects both tradition and intrinsic value, as silver coins had long been used in Moroccan commerce and ceremonial contexts. This silver content also enhances the coin’s appeal to bullion investors and numismatists seeking precious metal coins with historical interest.
The mintage of the 1960 silver 1 Dirham is relatively limited, with just over 5 million coins reportedly struck. While this number may appear large, it is modest compared to the mintage figures of modern base-metal circulation coins. Additionally, the survival rate of coins in higher grades is far smaller, as many were used in daily commerce or later melted for their silver content. Well-preserved examples are increasingly difficult to find, especially in About Uncirculated (AU) to Uncirculated (UNC) condition. Such coins retain their original luster, strong strike details, and minimal signs of handling.
Coins graded as AU display only the slightest evidence of circulation, typically on the highest points of the design such as the king’s cheekbones or the lion’s manes on the coat of arms. In Uncirculated condition, the coin should exhibit full mint brilliance with no signs of wear, though minor bag marks or light abrasions from the minting process may be present. The surfaces remain frosty or satiny depending on the die state and storage conditions. Collectors prize these high-grade examples for their sharp detail and exceptional eye appeal, especially when the original silver sheen remains intact.
As a transitional issue between colonial and modern Moroccan coinage, the 1960 silver Dirham offers collectors a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in North African history. It bridges the past and future—combining a monarch’s image, traditional emblems, and national language with modern minting precision. The use of both Arabic and Western elements on the coin reflects Morocco’s diverse cultural heritage and its evolving identity on the global stage during the post-colonial era.
The 1960 1 Dirham is also a desirable piece for those assembling world silver type sets, African monarchic coins, or thematic collections related to political independence. Its combination of silver content, national symbolism, and historical importance ensures its continued relevance in the numismatic world. Moreover, its relative affordability compared to older or lower-mintage silver coins makes it accessible to both novice collectors and seasoned experts alike.
The Morocco 1 Dirham 1960 Y#55 silver coin in AU to UNC condition stands as a powerful symbol of Moroccan independence, national pride, and royal authority. With its refined design, limited mintage, and precious metal content, it is a cherished artifact of 20th-century African numismatics. Whether appreciated for its beauty, its bullion value, or its historical context, this silver coin remains a significant and enduring piece of Morocco’s post-independence legacy.