Description

The Syrian Republic was formed in 1930 as a component of the French Mandate of Syria and Lebanon, succeeding the State of Syria. A treaty of independence was made in 1936 to grant independence to Syria and end official French rule, but the French parliament refused to accept the agreement. From 1940 to 1941, the Syrian Republic was under the control of Vichy France, and after the Allied invasion in 1941 became a sovereign state. In 1958, Syria joined with Egypt in forming the United Arab Republic.

The Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon was a League of Nations mandate created after World War I to govern the region. Unlike traditional colonialism, it was meant to act as a temporary trusteeship until self-government was possible. The area was administered by the French through various entities like the Syrian Federation, State of Syria, and Mandatory Syrian Republic, as well as smaller states. In 1946, the French mandate ended when both Syria and Lebanon declared independence, and French troops withdrew.

Engraver: L. Bazor

Obverse

Denomination in Arabic digits inside a cable-like circle, state name in Arabic above, Western year in Arabic numerals below.

الجمهورية السورية
١/٢
نصف قرش
١٩٣٦

Reverse

Two oat sprigs around denomination, state name above, date below.

Mintmark of the Paris Mint (left): Cornucopia
Engraver general's privy mark (right): wing (1931-57, Lucien Bazor)

REPUBLIQUE
SYRIENNE
1/2
PIASTRE
1936

Edge

1/2 Qirsh (Piastre)

French Mandate
KM# 75 Schön# 9
Characteristics
Material Nickel Brass
Weight 4 g
Diameter 21 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

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Cupronickel, 4 g, ⌀ 21 mm
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French Mandate, Uniface

Cupronickel, 4 g, ⌀ 21 mm