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The Palestine 2 Mils coin of 1942, cataloged as KM#2, is a modest yet historically significant bronze issue from the era of British administration over the territory of Palestine. Struck at the height of World War II, this coin circulated during a time of tremendous global conflict and regional tension. Issued under the authority of the British Mandate, the 2 Mils coin was part of the decimal currency system implemented in 1927 to unify monetary standards in the region. This example, graded in Extremely Fine (XF) condition, reflects both considerable circulation and careful preservation, making it an appealing piece for collectors of Middle Eastern or British colonial coinage.
Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, the League of Nations granted Great Britain the Mandate for Palestine in 1920. A new currency system was introduced in 1927, anchored by the Palestine pound and subdivided into 1,000 mils. The 2 Mils denomination served as a low-value coin used frequently in daily transactions, with purchasing power sufficient for small items like produce or newspapers. As such, these coins saw wide and constant use, particularly among the local Arab and Jewish populations, as well as British colonial officials and soldiers stationed in the territory.
The 1942-dated 2 Mils coin was issued during a time of global warfare, and while Palestine was not a primary battleground, it played a strategic role in Britain’s Middle Eastern operations. The port cities of Haifa and Jaffa, along with key railways and airfields, were of critical logistical importance. The continued minting of coins like the 2 Mils ensured that commerce could continue amid the disruptions of war. The wartime atmosphere also resulted in increased wear on coins, as replacement production was kept minimal and existing coinage remained in extended circulation, adding to the rarity of high-grade surviving examples.
The obverse design of the 2 Mils coin is consistent with that of earlier issues in the series, centered around a practical and symbolic hole through the middle. Encircling the hole is the name of the territory—“PALESTINE”—rendered in three official languages: English, Arabic (فلسطين), and Hebrew (פלשתינה), with the Hebrew also bearing the abbreviation “א״י” for “Eretz Yisrael.” This inclusion of three languages was emblematic of the British policy of administrative neutrality amid a culturally and politically divided population. Below the inscriptions are the dual dates “1942” in the Gregorian calendar and “5702” in the Hebrew calendar, further reflecting the multicultural setting of the Mandate.
The reverse side of the coin mirrors the stylistic approach of the obverse. “2 MILS” is boldly displayed at the top, with its Arabic and Hebrew equivalents arranged below in a clean, rounded format. The simplicity and symmetry of the reverse serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. In XF condition, the coin exhibits strong remaining detail, with high points of the design showing only light wear. The fields are still relatively smooth, and the legends are fully legible, though some loss of original mint luster and surface brilliance is evident. Edges and rims remain mostly intact, with minor flattening visible in areas of heaviest handling.
The coin was struck at the Royal Mint in London using the standard composition for the series: 95% copper, 4% tin, and 1% zinc. The diameter measures approximately 21 mm, and the weight is around 3.3 grams. The 1942 mintage totaled just under 6.5 million pieces, a moderately high figure reflecting the coin’s demand during wartime. Although these coins were produced in sufficient quantity, their widespread use means that most surviving examples are found in lower grades. Coins in XF condition stand out due to their relative sharpness and completeness of design.
The bronze alloy used for the 2 Mils coin was highly prone to corrosion and discoloration, especially in the humid and varied climates of the region. This makes preservation more challenging, and XF examples like this one are desirable for showing clear strike detail with only moderate circulation wear. The central hole, while distinctive, also contributed to accelerated wear due to the coin being strung together with others for transport or storage. Despite these challenges, this 1942 coin retains its full design and readability, with pleasing, original surfaces darkened slightly by oxidation over time.
The 2 Mils coin occupies an important place in the broader narrative of Mandate Palestine. It was not just a unit of commerce, but also a tool of British colonial governance, reflecting attempts to balance the interests of Arabs, Jews, and imperial authorities. The trilingual inscriptions and dual dating system were as much political statements as they were practical design choices. This 1942 issue predates the most intense periods of civil unrest and foreshadows the complex events leading to the end of the Mandate and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. In that context, each coin becomes a microcosm of historical memory.
Collectors interested in Judaica, British colonial coinage, or the monetary history of the Middle East often seek out the complete series of Mandate coins, and the 2 Mils denomination is a central component. The consistent design used from 1927 through 1947 makes date collecting appealing and accessible. While circulated examples are common, XF specimens allow for clear viewing of inscriptions and structural details without the premium price tags of higher uncirculated grades. This particular coin fits well in historical collections aiming to represent key periods of geopolitical change during the early 20th century.
The Palestine 2 Mils 1942 KM#2 in XF condition offers both historical significance and aesthetic appeal. The coin’s moderate wear, preserved detail, and warm, original patina reflect its use in a time of conflict and transformation. It stands as an accessible yet meaningful piece for collectors wishing to engage with the complex legacy of British rule in the Middle East. Though humble in denomination, its trilingual format, iconic central hole, and wartime context make it an enduring symbol of a contested land and a pivotal era in world history.
In conclusion, this XF 1942 Palestine 2 Mils coin represents much more than its face value. It is a durable artifact of everyday life in a volatile and transitional period. Its design choices, political undertones, and surviving condition ensure its continued appeal for students of history and coin collectors alike. Modestly sized and simply struck, it nevertheless captures an entire epoch within its bronze frame, making it an enduring and thoughtful addition to any numismatic collection.