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The Morocco 20 Francs silver coin issued between 1928 and 1933, cataloged as Y#39, is one of the most visually striking and historically significant coins from the French protectorate period in Morocco. Struck in .835 fine silver and bearing the hallmark design elements of Islamic art blended with French colonial monetary structure, the coin represents a delicate balance between tradition and authority. Issued during a time of modernization under French rule, the coin served as both a high-denomination piece for economic transactions and a symbol of the complex cultural dynamics between the Moroccan people and their colonial administrators. Surviving examples in Extra Fine to About Uncirculated (XF–AU) condition offer a rich opportunity to appreciate the artistic detail and craftsmanship that went into this large and finely executed silver coin.
Following the establishment of the French protectorate over Morocco in 1912, the French administration began issuing coinage that, while introducing French denominations and standards, retained distinctly Moroccan stylistic elements. The goal was to ensure widespread acceptance among the Moroccan populace while maintaining monetary control. The 20 Francs silver coin, introduced in 1928 and produced until 1933, is a perfect embodiment of this strategy. While its denomination reflects the French franc, the coin’s design firmly roots it in the Islamic artistic tradition, making it both a practical currency and a cultural artifact.
The obverse of the coin features a complex geometric pattern centered around Arabic script indicating the denomination “٢٠ فرنكات” (20 Francs). This script is set within a radiant eight-pointed star, a motif often seen in Islamic art and architecture, symbolizing balance, unity, and the divine order. Around the star are additional decorative elements including vegetal and floral patterns typical of Islamic engraving, as well as the Hijri date of issue, such as “1347.” These motifs are executed with symmetrical precision, and in XF–AU condition, the relief remains sharp, with minimal flattening on the highest points of the star and script.
The reverse side of the coin is equally impressive and carries French-language inscriptions: “EMPIRE CHERIFIEN” across the top, denoting the official colonial name of Morocco under the sultanate; and “20 FRANCS” centered prominently below. This side also includes the Gregorian calendar year of issue, such as “1928,” and is framed with similar geometric arabesque patterns. The repeating interlaced forms that border the legends draw directly from centuries of North African and Andalusian design, reflecting Morocco’s long-standing visual traditions. The consistent design vocabulary across both sides of the coin creates a harmonious and culturally rich aesthetic.
Struck in .835 fine silver, the coin weighs approximately 20 grams and has a diameter of 35 millimeters, making it a substantial piece both visually and physically. It has a reeded edge and a strong, well-balanced strike, characteristics that enhance its appeal to collectors. The silver alloy used was standard for Moroccan coinage under the protectorate and ensured the coin’s durability in circulation while maintaining intrinsic value. In XF to AU condition, most coins retain excellent detail in the Arabic script and geometric devices, with some original mint luster present in recessed areas. The fields typically show minor contact marks but remain attractive and generally free from significant blemishes.
These coins were minted at the Monnaie de Paris, the renowned Paris Mint, which provided all official coinage for Morocco during the protectorate years. The mint’s reputation for precision and consistency is evident in this series, with most examples showing sharp engraving and uniform strike quality. The 20 Francs denomination was not as commonly used as smaller denominations, and the coin’s relatively high face value meant it circulated less frequently. This, in turn, has helped preserve more examples in better condition, although truly high-grade survivors remain scarce due to age and attrition over time.
The mintage of the Morocco 20 Francs silver coin spanned several years—1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, and 1933—each bearing corresponding Hijri dates. While total mintage figures were adequate to support circulation needs, the relatively short production window and high silver content meant many coins were later melted, especially during periods of silver price surges or monetary reform. As a result, XF–AU examples today are far less common and often command a premium on the collector market. Some years may also feature small variations or overdates, increasing interest among variety specialists.
In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the 20 Francs coin retains sharp definition on the major devices—particularly the Arabic calligraphy, eight-pointed star, and border elements. Some light wear may be visible on the highest points, and the fields may exhibit minor abrasions from circulation. In About Uncirculated (AU) condition, wear is limited to just the slightest friction on the most exposed areas, and traces of original luster often remain, especially in the protected fields. The coin’s high-relief design lends itself well to grading, as even slight flattening is easily observed.
Beyond its numismatic interest, the Morocco 20 Francs silver coin serves as an important historical document. It was struck during a time of cultural tension and colonial administration, yet it clearly demonstrates the persistence of Moroccan artistic identity through government-issued currency. The combination of French and Arabic inscriptions, Western and Islamic calendrical systems, and shared design space reflects Morocco’s dual political reality during the interwar years. At the same time, the use of silver for such coins underscores the economic importance of the franc-based system and its reliance on metallic standards before the widespread adoption of base-metal coinage.
Collectors of world silver coinage, French colonial issues, and Islamic art all find the Y#39 Morocco 20 Francs coin an essential acquisition. It belongs to a family of protectorate-era silver coins that includes the 5, 10, and 50 Francs denominations, but the 20 Francs is perhaps the most balanced in terms of size, design complexity, and collector availability. Its large diameter allows full appreciation of the engraving, while its moderate mintage and silver content provide intrinsic value and long-term desirability. The coin is often featured in world coin catalogs and auctions as a prime example of North African colonial-era silver.
The Morocco 20 Francs 1928–1933 Y#39 silver coin in XF–AU condition is a distinguished and culturally rich piece of Morocco’s monetary heritage. Combining the intricate beauty of Islamic geometric art with the colonial reality of French inscriptions and economic control, the coin captures a nuanced and layered historical moment. Its substantial silver content, bold design, and limited availability in higher grades make it a compelling addition to any serious collection. As both a work of art and a relic of political significance, it continues to command respect and admiration across the numismatic world.