EGYPT-OTTOMAN EMPIRE

COIN MADE BY BILLON

This billon (heavily alloyed silver) 1 Para was issued in Ottoman Egypt during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid, who ruled from 1774 to 1789.  The 16mm coin is so thin the design on the front tends to show through on the back!   Abdul Hamid was imprisoned the first 43 years of his life by his cousins, who preceded him to the throne.  He was a pious and gracious Sultan, that suffered major defeats in wars with Russia, including the loss of the Crimea.  It is an interesting and unusual old coin from the time when Egypt was part of the once-great Ottoman Empire.






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