Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 20 Francs 1950-1957, KM# 274, Tunisia, Lamine Bey
  • 20 Francs 1950-1957, KM# 274, Tunisia, Lamine Bey
Description

Muhammad VIII al-Amin known as Lamine Bey (1881–1962), was the last Bey of Tunisia (15 May 1943 – 20 March 1956), and also the only King of Tunisia (20 March 1956 – 25 July 1957).

He was enthroned in unusual circumstances following the removal of his predecessor Moncef Bey by the French Resident General Henri Giraud in 1943. It was not until the latter's death in 1948 that his legitimacy was recognised by the people of Tunisia. He took steps to align himself with the Tunisian national movement against the French protectorate but was sidelined by the Neo Destour after he accepted French-initiated reforms in 1954. Shortly after independence Lamine Bey was turned out of his palace along with his family. Their property was seized and several family members were imprisoned. He ended his days living in a small apartment in Tunis.

Engraver: Lucien Georges Bazor

Obverse

Depicts calligraphic design above a rimmed crescent with Arabic years, the country name above (Kingdom of Tunisia), value below.

المملكة التونسية
١٣٧٠ - ١٩٥٠
عشرون فرنكا

Reverse

Value and date above within the upper circle.

Mintmark of the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris in Pessac): Cornucopia (horn of plenty)

Mintmaster's privy mark: Wing (Lucien Georges Bazor, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint, 1930-1958)

1950
20
FRANCS
TUNISIE

Edge

20 Francs

KM# 274 Schön# 195
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 5.5 g
Diameter 23 mm
Thickness 1.66 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# E28
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

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