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The Morocco 10 Francs silver coin issued between 1928 and 1932, cataloged as Y#38, is a remarkable example of colonial-era North African coinage that combines French administrative oversight with rich Islamic artistic traditions. Minted during the French protectorate period, this coin served both as an economic instrument and as a medium through which Morocco’s cultural identity was preserved under foreign rule. With a denomination clearly influenced by the French monetary system but a design grounded in local ornamentation and language, the coin embodies the duality of Moroccan colonial experience. In Extra Fine to About Uncirculated (XF–AU) condition, the coin reveals much of its original detail, craftsmanship, and luster, making it highly desirable to collectors.
The coin was introduced in 1928, as part of a silver coinage reform under the French administration that sought to modernize the currency used throughout Morocco. Though denominated in francs—a French unit—it was struck specifically for use in Morocco and featured Islamic art and Arabic inscriptions. The coin continued in production through 1932, covering a brief yet historically significant period during which the French consolidated their control over Moroccan political, economic, and cultural life. This era also saw the rise of nationalist movements that would later fuel the drive toward independence in the 1950s, making this coin a quiet witness to pivotal changes.
The obverse of the Morocco 10 Francs silver coin features a bold, symmetrical eight-pointed star pattern—often referred to as a khatim or Seal of Solomon—set within an ornate geometric field filled with arabesques and floral elements. The central field holds Arabic inscriptions, typically noting the denomination “١٠ فرنكات” (10 Francs) along with the Islamic Hijri year of issue, such as “1347,” corresponding to the Gregorian calendar year “1928.” The design adheres to traditional Islamic aesthetics, favoring complex, non-figurative decoration over representational imagery, and reflects a long heritage of decorative arts rooted in geometry, symmetry, and calligraphy.
The reverse of the coin continues the ornate theme with a Latin-script inscription reading “EMPIRE CHERIFIEN,” which refers to the Sherifian Empire—a term used by the French colonial government to describe the Moroccan sultanate. Below this is the denomination “10 FRANCS” and the Gregorian date, such as “1928” or “1932,” depending on the year of issue. This bilingual and bicultural format—Arabic on one side, French on the other—was a hallmark of coinage under the French protectorate, designed to bridge communication across the two major linguistic and cultural groups living under the colonial regime.
Struck in .835 fine silver, the Morocco 10 Francs Y#38 coin has a diameter of 33 millimeters and a weight of approximately 15 grams. This makes it a large and impressive coin, both visually and physically. Its silver content gave it intrinsic value, and the reeded edge served as both a security feature and a tactile marker of authenticity. The coin’s substantial size provided an ideal canvas for its complex, high-relief engravings, which remain among the most admired aspects of the design. In high grades, these elements present with sharp clarity, showcasing the skill of the engravers and the superior striking quality of the Paris Mint.
The coins were produced by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), which was responsible for the minting of Moroccan coinage throughout much of the protectorate period. The Paris Mint was known for its precision and fine die work, and these coins exemplify the quality and consistency of its output. Despite their colonial context, the Morocco 10 Francs silver coins were tailored to Moroccan tastes in terms of design, offering a culturally sensitive approach to colonial currency—a strategy meant to foster public trust and ease integration into local commerce.
Mintages of the Y#38 coin varied across the years but remained relatively limited when compared to smaller denominations. The silver 10 Francs coin was not struck for many years and was eventually replaced by base-metal coinage as silver became increasingly expensive and less practical for everyday circulation. As a result, many of these coins were melted over time for their bullion content, contributing to their relative scarcity today, especially in higher grades such as XF and AU. These surviving examples are valued for their silver content, historical relevance, and intricate design.
In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the coin exhibits moderate wear on the highest points of the design, such as the central star and fine script, but all major details remain crisp and well-defined. The fields will show some minor marks or dulling from limited circulation, but the overall presentation is attractive. In About Uncirculated (AU) condition, only the slightest trace of wear is visible on the highest points, and most of the original mint luster is retained, particularly in protected areas between the relief elements. The silver often develops a soft patina with age, enhancing visual depth and character when unpolished.
As a coin that circulated during a complex era in Moroccan history, the 10 Francs 1928–1932 Y#38 issue holds special interest for historians and collectors alike. It is an artifact from a time when Morocco, under foreign administration, sought to retain its cultural autonomy even within imposed systems. The juxtaposition of Islamic calligraphy and French colonial titles reveals the negotiated identity of Moroccan society under protectorate rule. Furthermore, the use of precious metal indicates the importance of this denomination in economic life, functioning in both urban and rural markets across the kingdom.
Numismatists specializing in Islamic art, colonial coinage, or African monetary history will find the Morocco 10 Francs silver coin a cornerstone of any such collection. Its blend of visual sophistication, historical significance, and monetary substance positions it as one of the more compelling issues of North African colonial numismatics. High-grade examples are increasingly difficult to source, as decades of circulation and silver melting have taken their toll on the population of well-preserved coins. As such, XF–AU specimens command a premium and are often quickly absorbed into long-term collections.
The Morocco 10 Francs 1928–1932 Y#38 silver coin in XF to AU condition is a powerful numismatic representation of early 20th-century Morocco. It reflects a dual legacy—French colonialism and enduring Moroccan heritage—while offering striking design, significant silver value, and rich historical context. Whether appreciated for its artful engraving, political symbolism, or rarity in high grade, it remains one of the most attractive and historically relevant coins of the era. As both a collectible and a historical artifact, this coin bridges the cultural and temporal gap between tradition and modernity in Moroccan coinage.