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- Product ID: 32280
The Morocco 200 Francs silver coin dated 1953, cataloged as Y#53, stands as a poignant artifact marking the end of an era and the culmination of French colonial rule in North Africa. Struck in .835 fine silver and issued under the reign of Sultan Mohammed V, this large crown-sized coin serves both as legal tender and as a political symbol. The year 1953 was marked by significant upheaval, as the French authorities deposed the Sultan and exiled him, leading to growing unrest and the eventual movement for Moroccan independence. Coins from this year, particularly those in higher grades such as Extremely Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU), are prized by collectors not only for their scarcity but also for their strong association with this pivotal historical moment.
The obverse of the 1953 200 Francs coin features a central Arabic inscription framed within an ornate traditional Moroccan geometric pattern. The calligraphic inscription includes the denomination and the issuing authority, set in beautiful Maghrebi script. Around the inner inscription are intricate vine and lattice motifs, with stylized floral elements and balanced symmetry that exemplify traditional Islamic art. This side of the coin reflects the region’s deep-rooted aesthetic heritage and serves as a strong cultural counterpoint to the more Westernized reverse design. In XF to AU condition, the obverse retains sharp detail in the intricate design, although high points may show some light wear and minor smoothing in recessed areas.
The reverse displays a finely engraved portrait of Sultan Mohammed V, facing left, wearing a traditional Moroccan tarboosh (fez). His portrait is encircled by a bilingual inscription with his name in Arabic above and French below, reading “MOHAMMED V ROI DU MAROC,” or “Mohammed V King of Morocco.” The date of issue, 1953, appears below the bust. This image was the first true numismatic portrait of a Moroccan monarch on circulating coinage, and it was a bold statement of sovereignty during a time of foreign rule. In XF-AU condition, the details of the Sultan’s facial features, headwear, and garments remain well-defined, though there may be light signs of handling on the cheekbone, jawline, or background fields.
The coin was minted by the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris), the French state minting facility responsible for striking Moroccan coinage during the Protectorate period. It was produced to support circulation, but relatively few high-grade examples survived due to the coin’s large size and its tendency to wear quickly in commerce. The total mintage of the 1953 200 Francs silver coin was approximately 500,000 pieces, a relatively modest number for a circulating coin, especially considering the historical significance and short duration of issue. No later issues of this design followed, further enhancing its status as a one-year type and a collectible of limited availability.
With a diameter of 37 mm and a weight of 20 grams, the 1953 200 Francs coin fits comfortably within the range of international silver crown-sized coins. Its silver fineness of .835 gives it a net silver weight of approximately 0.536 troy ounces. The reeded edge adds to the coin’s substantial feel and complements its formal presentation. In terms of heft and presentation, it rivals contemporary silver coins from European colonial powers, but with unmistakably Moroccan aesthetics and identity.
From a historical perspective, 1953 was a volatile and defining year for Morocco. In August of that year, the French administration exiled Mohammed V due to his growing nationalist influence and refusal to cooperate with colonial demands. His deposition triggered widespread protests, acts of resistance, and a unifying sense of national injustice. The exiled monarch would become a rallying figure for independence, and his eventual return in 1955 signaled the nearing end of the French Protectorate. Thus, the 1953 coin became emblematic of the pre-independence monarchy and remains deeply symbolic among Moroccan numismatists and patriots alike.
The coin’s XF to AU grade range offers a compelling blend of condition and affordability. In Extremely Fine condition, the coin will show some light wear on the highest points of the portrait and minor softening of intricate lines, but most details remain visible, with attractive toning often present. In About Uncirculated condition, there may be only faint traces of circulation on the cheek of the bust or in the fields, with strong mint luster clinging to protected areas of the design. These high-grade examples are desirable to collectors who seek well-preserved coins that still exhibit their original artistry without the steep price premiums of fully uncirculated specimens.
Collector interest in the 1953 200 Francs coin has remained steady over the years, driven by its singular issue date, attractive silver content, and the dual-language design that reflects Morocco’s colonial and native influences. It is often sought by collectors of African coinage, Islamic art-themed numismatics, and those building type sets of 20th-century French colonial issues. The dual scripts—Arabic and French—alongside a native monarch’s portrait, symbolize the cultural crossroads that defined Morocco’s mid-century political identity.
On the numismatic market, coins in XF to AU condition typically command values ranging from $60 to $100, depending on eye appeal, toning, and overall preservation. Brightly lustrous AU examples with minimal marks or discoloration are more scarce and can fetch higher premiums, especially when housed in third-party grading slabs from services like NGC or PCGS. As silver bullion prices fluctuate, the intrinsic value of the coin also affects its floor value, but numismatic interest generally surpasses melt value in determining collector pricing.
The KM#53 designation in the Krause-Mishler catalog provides an essential reference for collectors, identifying the coin as part of Morocco’s last silver issues before the adoption of the dirham-based system post-independence. While subsequent coinage under an independent Moroccan monarchy would continue, no later issue captured the political drama and cultural duality of this period as fully as the 1953 200 Francs. It serves not only as a monetary token but as a historical artifact from a nation on the brink of reclaiming its sovereignty.
In conclusion, the Morocco 200 Francs 1953 Y#53 silver coin in XF to AU condition represents a significant chapter in the nation’s monetary and political history. Combining regal portraiture, elegant Islamic design, and colonial bilingual inscriptions, it captures the complexity of Morocco’s identity on the eve of independence. With a limited mintage, strong silver content, and high visual appeal, this coin continues to attract numismatists seeking both aesthetic beauty and historical depth in their collections.