Iraq 1 Fils 1959

That sure is an unusual shape, Nbirko! Not many countries have struck coins in a decagonal shape. This one is a 1 fils coin from Iraq, dated 1959. The slightly teardrop-shaped oval is not a zero but in fact an Arabic numeral 5. The reverse design is also pretty unique, featuring an eight-pointed star with a few symbolic objects and the country's motto in the center.

Though eye-catching, tens of millions were struck, and catalog values remain low. Nice looking specimens can sometimes be sold to interested collectors for one or two US dollars. The one in our picture acquired some striking blue and orange toning somewhere along the way from 1959 to now. This is probably due to exposure to an atomosphere laden with cleaning chemicals. These coins are cool additions to any collection of Middle Eastern or Islamic coins!
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Coin: 17526, Genre: Islamic Hindu Buddhist, Timeline: Modern
Created (yyyymm): 201407, Last review: 201607
Appearance: Hexagon ~ Octagon ~ N-sides Metallic brown Letters: Flowing style
Years: sort: 1959, filter: 1959 to 1959
Image: iraq_1_fils_1959.jpg
Tags: grain encircled broadsword garland ray sworeds reif circal saber decagon cupro bronzes rings dodecagonal copper bronze hex sword fil radiate brass coppery aribic circling emanate stars wheat hexagram arabia reef encircles circel encircle wheats wheatie wreah ringed circumference beams encircling burst ring radiating octagonal wreath circles loop circumscribed octagon circumscibed circuit rays pentagon fils swords arab dodecagon radiates circlet star circle starburst octogan coppers wreathed arabian grains hexagon starrs wreth 1st arabic octolobe loops rief heptagonal circular incircled iraq beam circled wreaths wreathe arabesque wreat swordlike dodecahedron emanating radiant polygon