British India. George V, 1910-36. WWI Engraved Silver Rupee ‘Dog Tag’. 5049 Driver F Cox, Royal Field Artillery, Baghdad 1917. Pierced For Wearing.
As I promised to f1nlaygk , some my old text about colonial coins.
Disclaimer: English isnt my native language. Its google translated with a lot of mistakes.
Today, using the new African aluminum, I wanted to discuss two topics. But on second thought, I decided that two topics at a time was too much, even for a Monday.
So, the "continuation" of the Friday theme. About three out of four people, when they see an image of British West African coins, ask about Jews and their connection to these coins. Because of course, the Star of David is definitely Israel!
No, it didn't smell like Israel here (at least look at the year of release). And, importantly, Jews have nothing to do with it at all. The fact is that the Seal of Solomon, and this is exactly it, was a very popular symbol, suddenly, among Muslims. For example, in the 19th century, on the coins of the Sultanate(!) Morocco, there is this symbol. Again, suddenly, there are enough Muslims in Nigeria.
The official version of the appearance of this symbol as the emblem of Nigeria at that time, from the then Governor-General of the colony, Frederick Lugard:
"I think the pattern of intertwined triangles is usually called the seal of Solomon. I do not know if it was adopted as the seal of Islam, but it was found on the lid of a very beautiful cup or jug made of brass and copper, covered with patterns, which was captured by the troops when the emir (note that "emir" is the title of the ruler exclusively in Muslim countries, note from ZanziOrk) was infected. The main slave trader of Northern Nigeria has been defeated. I thought it was an appropriate sign for Northern Nigeria, and as far as I remember, it was my own suggestion."
In general, by the governor's arbitrariness, the Seal of Solomon has become a symbol of Nigeria. At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this symbol was depicted in green.
With that, the explanatory team departs into the sunset, and we proceed directly to the coin. Long-time VK subscribers may remember this type (although the coin is different there), but it definitely wasn't in TG.
1/10 penny of British West Africa, issued in 1907, KM# 1, as can be seen from the catalog number - the first coin of the region.
From the point of view of a numismatist, it has one big drawback and one indisputable advantage.
The disadvantage, of course, is the material. As you have already understood, it is aluminum. And African aluminum from the early twentieth century is almost always corrosion. The indisputable advantage is, of course, accessibility. Compared to the British East African cent, which was minted from exactly the same blanks, 1/10 of a penny is extremely affordable if you don't ideally look for it. You can even choose from several offers).
That's all for this Monday. Next time we will continue to observe the coins with the Seal of Solomon and remember Edward the Seventh.
In the attached photos:
1/10 penny of British West Africa, 1907 KM# 1, minted at the Royal Mint in London, with a circulation of 1,254,000 copies.
Sir Frederick Lugard, the last governor of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate (1912-1914), the first High Commissioner (1900-1906) and the last Governor (1912-1914) of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the first Governor-General of Nigeria (1914-1919). Separately, I want to cancel that in the interval between these duties, he managed to visit the governor of Hong Kong (1907-1912).
The emblem of British Nigeria.
Lets talk about it :)