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The Palestine 1 Mil 1927 KM#1 RED UNC coin is a remarkably preserved example of one of the earliest coins issued under the British Mandate of Palestine. Struck in bronze, this small-denomination coin carries immense historical and cultural weight. The coin was introduced as part of a standardized currency system following the establishment of British administrative control over Palestine after World War I, when the League of Nations formally granted the mandate to Great Britain. The 1927 issue was the first official coinage of the region, making it a foundational artifact in the numismatic history of the modern Middle East.
The monetary system introduced by the British for Palestine was modeled on the British pound and subdivided the new Palestine pound into 1,000 mils. The 1 Mil denomination served as the smallest unit of currency and was used for very low-value everyday transactions. The introduction of this new currency came as a replacement for a haphazard mix of previous currencies that included the Egyptian pound, Ottoman coinage, and British sterling. The 1 Mil coin, with its minimalist yet symbolic design and trilingual inscriptions, was part of a broader effort to establish administrative order and cultural recognition among the region’s diverse population.
The obverse of the 1927 Palestine 1 Mil coin features a clean, symmetrical design built around a central hole, a characteristic that enhanced portability and mirrored design styles used in the Levant and parts of Asia. Surrounding the hole, the name of the country—“PALESTINE”—is inscribed in English, Arabic (فلسطين), and Hebrew (פלשתינה), with the Hebrew also including the abbreviation "א"י" (Aleph-Yud), signifying “Eretz Yisrael,” or the Land of Israel. The date “1927” is rendered in both the Gregorian and Hebrew calendars, with “5687” positioned at the base. The lettering is raised and crisply rendered, showing full clarity and strong edges in uncirculated specimens, particularly those designated RED for their rich mint color.
The reverse of the coin is equally simple and functional. The denomination “1 MIL” appears in the center, also flanked by its translation in Arabic and Hebrew, maintaining the trilingual format established on the obverse. The coin’s central hole remains the most distinctive feature, and it is surrounded by smooth, unadorned bronze fields that highlight the crispness of the inscriptions. In RED UNC condition, the coin displays its original fiery red-orange coloration, a sign of minimal oxidation and excellent preservation. This color is especially sought after by collectors, as it reflects the coin’s condition soon after striking, before the natural aging process has had time to turn the surfaces brown or dark.
The 1 Mil 1927 coin was struck at the Royal Mint in London, one of the most prestigious and capable mints of the era. Known for their precision and quality, Royal Mint strikes exhibit strong detail and uniform planchets. Approximately 10 million of the 1927 1 Mil coins were minted, making it a relatively common coin in circulated grades. However, coins that remain in uncirculated condition, and especially those retaining their original red coloration, are considerably rarer. RED designations are only awarded to bronze coins that show at least 85% original mint red on both obverse and reverse surfaces, making this particular specimen one of the finest available.
Preserving the red color on a 1927 bronze coin is exceptionally difficult, as these coins were used extensively and exposed to the humid Mediterranean climate. Over time, most examples developed a dark brown patina due to oxidation. RED UNC coins, by contrast, were typically stored in protective conditions from the moment of minting, avoiding both handling and exposure to the elements. These coins display vivid coloration, with reflective luster still intact across the fields, indicating that they were never placed into circulation. The presence of full, sharp rims and die lines further confirms the coin’s pristine state.
The symbolism embedded in the coin’s trilingual inscriptions speaks to the British attempt to present a neutral administration amid growing tensions between Jewish and Arab populations in the region. By equally representing English, Arabic, and Hebrew, the coin ostensibly acknowledged the cultural makeup of the population. However, the inclusion of the Hebrew abbreviation for "Eretz Yisrael" was a political statement in itself, and would later be viewed by many as an early recognition of Jewish nationalist claims to the land. As such, the coin has been studied not only by numismatists but also by historians and political scholars interested in British colonial policy and early 20th-century Zionism and Arab nationalism.
While the 1 Mil coin was a low-denomination currency used for daily necessities like bread or newspapers, its status as the smallest coin in the new system makes it symbolically significant. Its continued use until the end of the Mandate in 1948 meant it was present in every facet of life in Palestine. Later issues were struck in the 1940s, but the 1927 issue remains the first and arguably the most iconic. Its small size, central hole, and trilingual inscriptions have ensured its place as one of the most recognizable coins from the region.
Collectors value the 1927 1 Mil coin for its historical importance, design clarity, and trilingual symbolism. It is often included in type sets or thematic collections focused on British Empire coinage, Jewish history, or Middle Eastern currencies. In RED UNC condition, the coin is particularly desirable due to its eye appeal and rarity. These coins may command a premium well beyond their metal content, with collectors willing to pay significantly more for examples that maintain full original luster, strong strikes, and minimal toning. Graded examples with third-party certification are especially attractive to collectors seeking assured quality.
The Palestine 1 Mil 1927 KM#1 RED UNC coin stands as an enduring testament to a complex and formative period in Middle Eastern history. Minted at the dawn of British administration and designed to reflect the multicultural makeup of its population, it represents an era of transition and contesting national visions. In pristine red uncirculated condition, it offers not only outstanding eye appeal but also exceptional historical value. For collectors, it is both a beautiful artifact and a tangible piece of a geopolitical puzzle that continues to echo in global affairs today.
As time passes and fewer examples remain in high-grade condition, coins like this will become increasingly scarce and treasured. Its modest face value and small size belie its significant importance to numismatists and historians alike. The Palestine 1 Mil 1927 in RED UNC is more than a coin—it is a preserved moment in the narrative of a land, a people, and a colonial experiment that would reshape an entire region.