
The Egyptian pound coin has a rich history dating back to 1834. The first coins were introduced during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the ruler of Egypt at the time.
These early coins were made of copper and featured the image of Muhammad Ali Pasha on one side and the Egyptian coat of arms on the other. The coins were initially only used for domestic transactions, but their use soon spread to international trade.
The design of the Egyptian pound coin has undergone several changes over the years, with new coins being introduced to replace old ones.
Egyptian Coins
The Egyptian coin has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The first coins were introduced during the reign of Pharaoh Psamtik I in the 7th century BC.
These early coins were made of electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. The coins were stamped with official marks to guarantee their value.
The use of coins became widespread during the Ptolemaic period, with the introduction of copper coins that were used for everyday transactions.
Coins of Fuad I (1922-1930)

During Fuad I's reign from 1922 to 1930, Egypt's coinage underwent significant changes.
The first coin introduced during this period was the 20 piastre coin, which featured a portrait of Fuad I on the obverse side.
The 50 piastre coin was also introduced, with the reverse side bearing the denomination in Arabic.
The 1 pound coin was a new denomination introduced during Fuad I's reign, featuring the royal crown on the obverse side.
The coins of Fuad I's reign were minted at the Cairo Mint, which was the primary minting facility in Egypt at the time.
The designs on the coins were a mix of traditional Egyptian motifs and modern styles, reflecting the country's cultural heritage and its desire to modernize.
Farouk I Coin (1938)
The Farouk I Coin was a commemorative issue, authorized by King Farouk I in 1938 to celebrate his marriage to Queen Farida.
It was a circulating coin, produced in four different denominations: 20 and 50 piastre, and 1 and 5 pound pieces.
The British Royal Mint at Tower Hill, London, was commissioned to strike the pieces, resulting in a very limited production run.
Only 5,000 1 pound coins were produced, all as business strikes.
Varieties in both red and yellow gold are known to exist, making these coins highly sought after by collectors.
The 1 pound coin is composed of .875 fine gold, weighs approximately 8.5 grams, and measures 24 millimeters in diameter.
It has a round shape, medallic alignment, and a reeded edge, with a raised and adorned rim featuring a dentillated border.
Obverse
The obverse of an Egyptian coin is a fascinating side. It displays the official language of the country, Arabic, with the phrase "جمهورية مصر العربية" translating to "Republic of Egypt". This is a clear indication of the coin's origin and the country it represents.
The obverse also features the denomination of the coin, which in this case is "1" followed by the word "جنيه" meaning "Pound". This is a straightforward way to indicate the coin's value.
In addition to the denomination, the obverse includes the year of issue, "٢٠١٠م" which translates to "2010 AD", and the corresponding Islamic year, "١٤٣١هـ" which is equivalent to 1431 AH. This dual dating system reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and its connection to both the Western and Islamic calendars.
The obverse side of the coin is a crucial aspect of its design, providing essential information about the coin's value, origin, and historical context.
Coins of Egypt
Egypt has a rich history of coinage that dates back to the ancient times. The first coins of Egypt were introduced during the reign of Pharaoh Psamtek I in the 7th century BC.
These early coins were made of electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, and featured the image of the pharaoh. Some of these coins have been found with the inscription "Psamtek, son of Necho".
One of the most famous coins of ancient Egypt is the gold coin of Pharaoh Ptolemy II, which featured the image of the goddess Isis. These coins were highly valued for their beauty and rarity.
The Roman period in Egypt saw the introduction of new coin designs, including the image of the Roman Emperor. The Roman coins of Egypt were often made of bronze and featured intricate designs.
Coins from the Byzantine period in Egypt often featured the image of the emperor and the cross. Some of these coins have been found with the inscription "In the name of Christ".
The coins of Egypt have played an important role in the country's history and culture.
Description and Details
The Egyptian pound coin has a rich history dating back to 1834 when it was introduced to replace the Egyptian piastre.
The official currency symbol of the Egyptian pound is £, which has been in use since its introduction.
The first coins issued between 1837 and 1900 came in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 piasters, as well as £1.
A £5 coin was introduced in 1923, expanding the range of denominations available.
The 1 Egyptian pound coin features the Mask of Tutankhamun on the front, surrounded by a stylized Egyptian Lotus flowers design.
The reverse side of the coin displays the denomination in both Arabic numerals and English, along with the issue date in both the Islamic and Gregorian calendars.
This particular coin is part of the 2005-2020 series, with the rim being fluted and the color being a combination of gold and silver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Egypt have a one-pound coin?
Yes, Egypt has a 1-pound coin, which was first issued by the Central Bank of Egypt in 2005 and is still in circulation today. It features the iconic mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Featured Images: pexels.com