Egypt AH1341 (1923) 20 Piastre Silver Coin, King Fuad I | A large silver coin representing the earliest period of the Egyptian Kingdom | GoldSilverJapan


 The AH1341 (1923 AD) 20 piastre silver coin, issued shortly after the founding of the Kingdom of Egypt, is one of the most popular large silver coins in modern Egyptian currency. In 1922, Egypt was granted limited independence from Britain, and Sultan Fuad I (King Fuad I) ascended to the throne as the first King of Egypt. Issued the following year, in 1923, this coin is highly valued by collectors worldwide as one of the earliest silver coin series symbolizing the newly formed Kingdom of Egypt. The face value is 20 piastre (20 Qirsh/Ghirsh), and it is a magnificent large silver coin with a fineness of .833 silver, weighing 28.0 grams and measuring 40 mm in diameter. The design was created by Hamed Effendi Serri, a leading Egyptian sculptor and medalist, and is known as an outstanding work of art that fuses Arabic calligraphy with realistic portrait sculpture. Minted at the Royal Mint (London) and Heaton Mint (Birmingham), these coins hold historical significance as they supported the economy and nation-building of the early Egyptian kingdom. Today, they are highly sought after in the international market as a representative example of modern Egyptian silver coins, and are indispensable in the fields of antique coins, Islamic currency, and royal coins. GoldSilverJapan specializes in showcasing rare coins from around the world that possess both historical value and collectibility.


 The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Fuad I. Unlike the Sultanate era, this portrait, depicting him as the first king of Egypt, is an important design symbolizing the birth of a new nation. He is depicted wearing a fez cap and gazing forward with a dignified expression, rendered with delicate engraving techniques. The Arabic inscription "Fuad I, King of Egypt" surrounds the portrait, showcasing the beautiful calligraphic art unique to Islamic culture, distinct from Western portrait coins. It is also known for the signature of the designer, Hamed Effendi Serri, engraved near the left side of the king's portrait. The 1923 series was the first in Egyptian coinage history to feature a full-fledged portrait of the king, and it differs significantly from the designs of the preceding Ottoman Empire and Sultanate eras. Even today, it is highly regarded as a turning point in the design of modern Egyptian coinage. While the coin pictured shows some wear from circulation, the portrait, fez cap, and inscription are still clearly legible, and it possesses the charm of a historical silver coin. In the antique coin market, prices vary greatly depending on the condition of the coin, but due to their high historical significance, even VF to AU class coins have a stable demand worldwide.


 The reverse side features a beautiful Arabic script design that fills the entire center, indicating the face value. At the top is "20 Ghirsh" (20 piastres), in the center is elegant calligraphy symbolizing the kingdom, at the bottom are "The Egyptian Kingdom," and the year **1923 (Gregorian calendar) and AH1341 (Hijri calendar)** are inscribed side-by-side. This style of simultaneously engraving the Gregorian and Islamic calendars is characteristic of modern Egyptian coinage, resulting in a unique design that fuses Western and Islamic cultures. The Arabic script is not merely a face value indication but a work of art, condensing the beauty of Islamic calligraphy onto the small canvas of a coin. Another interesting feature in numismatic history is the use of a typeface closer to "Ghirsh," the Ottoman-era spelling, which differs from the "Qirsh" spelling typically used on Egyptian coinage. This feature is highlighted as an important identifying point in international catalogs such as Numista. The rim is finished with a led edge, giving it the weight and luxurious feel characteristic of a large silver coin. Modern Egyptian coinage is highly regarded by collectors worldwide as a work of art that blends the precision of European minting techniques with the traditions of Islamic culture.


 The year of issue, 1923, marks a very important turning point in modern Egyptian history. With the establishment of the Kingdom of Egypt in 1922 and the accession of Fuad I to the throne, Egypt began its journey as a new nation. This 20 piastre silver coin was issued as one of the earliest large silver coins symbolizing this new nation, playing a role in demonstrating the national identity both domestically and internationally. According to Numista data, the regular edition had an estimated mintage of approximately 100,000 coins, some bearing the "H" mint mark indicating production by the Heaton Mint. A very small number of proof coins were also produced, making them extremely rare today. High-grade pieces are highly sought after in the global auction market, with uncirculated and proof coins attracting considerable attention. Meanwhile, circulated coins also possess high historical value, making them indispensable for modern Islamic coinage collections. Fuad I reigned as king until 1936, after which the throne was passed to his son, Farouk I. Therefore, this coin holds an important position as a historical document representing the earliest period of the Egyptian kingdom, and is essential for understanding the entire monarchical era.


 In recent years, the antique coin market in Egypt and the Middle East has been attracting increasing global attention. Demand is growing not only from Europe and America, but also from Middle Eastern countries, with monarchy-era silver coins being particularly popular. The 20 piastre silver coin combines a large size, beautiful portrait, excellent calligraphic design, and high-purity silver, making it an attractive series even for those new to collecting Egyptian coins. While coins in good condition are rarer, even circulated coins possess significant historical value. At GoldSilverJapan, we introduce coins not just based on price, but also on their history, culture, and artistic merit. Symbolizing the historic moment of the founding of the Egyptian Kingdom, this 20 piastre silver coin is a collector's item that combines multiple appeals: world history, Islamic culture, modern royal history, and large silver coin collecting. It is also popular as a long-term collection and can be considered a central piece in a modern world silver coin collection.


 FAQ


 Q. When was this coin issued?
 A. AH1341, this is a 20 piastre silver coin issued by the Kingdom of Egypt in 1923 AD.


 Q. Who are the people depicted?
 A. This is **King Fuad I**, the first king of the Kingdom of Egypt.


 Q. What is the face value?
 A. 20 piastres (20 Ghirsh/Qirsh).


 Q. What is the silver purity of this coin?
 A. The purity is **.833 Silver**.


 Q. What are the weight and diameter?
 A. It weighs approximately 28.0 grams and has a diameter of 40 mm.


 Q. Who is the designer?
 A. It was designed by the renowned Egyptian sculptor Hamed Effendi Serri.


 Q. Where was it manufactured?
 A. Manufactured at Royal Mint in London and Heaton Mint in Birmingham.


 Q. How many copies were issued?
 A. The standard edition is said to have been produced in a run of approximately 100,000 copies. There are also versions made by Heaton Mint with the "H" mint mark.


 Q. Why is 1923 important?
 A. Because it is one of the earliest official silver coin series issued shortly after the establishment of the Kingdom of Egypt.


 Q. Why is it so popular?
 A. Because it is one of the earliest large silver coins of the Egyptian kingdom, possessing a beautiful portrait of the king, Arabic calligraphy, and historical significance.


 Q. What is written in Arabic script?
 A. The coin has a face value of 20 piastres, is dated the Kingdom of Egypt, and bears the year of issue (1923 AD / AH1341).


 Q. What kinds of coins does GoldSilverJapan handle?
 A. We specialize in handling NGC/PCGS graded coins, antique coins from around the world, modern gold and silver coins, and historical royal coins.


 The following are accepted: Egypt 20 Piastres 1923, King Fuad I, AH1341 Egypt Silver Coin, KM338, Egypt Kingdom Coin, Egyptian 20 Piastre Silver Coin, King Fuad I Silver Coin, Modern Egyptian Silver Coin, Antique Coin, World Silver Coin, GoldSilverJapan, etc.