Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 50 Qirsh 1929-1937, KM# 47, Syria
  • 50 Qirsh 1929-1937, KM# 47, Syria
Description

The State of Syria (1924–1930) was a French Mandate state declared on 1 December 1924 from the union of the State of Aleppo and the State of Damascus. It was the successor of the Syrian Federation which had been created by providing a central assembly for the State of Aleppo, the State of Damascus and the Alawite State. The Alawite State did not join the State of Syria.

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.

Obverse

Depicts an Islamic east mandala design surrounded by the country name "State of Syria" in Arabic and date in Arabic and French below on banners connected by a bow shape.

A mandala is a geometric arrangement of symbols used in spiritual traditions for focusing attention, providing spiritual guidance, establishing sacred spaces, and aiding meditation. In Eastern religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Shinto, mandalas serve as maps representing deities, paradises, or shrines. They symbolize the spiritual journey from outer layers to the inner core.

Mintmark of the Paris Mint (left): Cornucopia
Engraver general's privy mark (right): Wing (1931-1957, Lucien Bazor)

دولة ★ سورية
1933 ١٩٣٣

Reverse

Denomination in Arabic and French within a circle of the Islamic design surrounded by the country name in Arabic above and French below on banners.

دولة سورية
قرش
٥٠
50
PIASTRES
ETAT DE SYRIE

Edge

50 Qirsh (Piastres)

French Mandate
KM# 47 Schön# 8
Characteristics
Type Trial strike
Material Silver
Fineness 0.680
Weight 10 g
Diameter 28 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # Lec# 39, Lec# 40, Lec# 41, Lec# 42
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

Related coins

French Mandate, Pattern

Aluminium Bronze

Silver, 5 g, ⌀ 23.4 mm
United Arab Republic

Silver, 5 g, ⌀ 24 mm