Syria 1/2 Qirsh 1921

History

Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)

Description

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: Henri-Auguste Patey

Obverse	Denomination in Arabic digits inside a cable-like circle, state name in Arabic above, Western year in Arabic numerals below. البنك السوري ١/٢ نصف قرش ١٩٢١
Reverse	Two oat sprigs around denomination, bank name above, date below. The Bank of Syria and Lebanon, initially known as Banque de Syrie (1919-1924), later as Banque de Syrie et du Grand-Liban (1924-1939), and finally as Banque de Syrie et du Liban (BSL) (1939-1963), was established as a French bank after World War I. It played a central banking role in the regions that later became Syria and Lebanon during the French mandate and their early years of independence. Mintmark of the Paris Mint (left): Cornucopia Engraver general's privy mark (right): wing (1921, Henri-Auguste Patey) BANQUE DE SYRIE 1/2 PIASTRE SYRIENNE 1921
Edge	Plain