Palestine Mandate coins
marcmoish
Posts: 6,294 ✭✭✭✭✭
I've collected mint state Palestine Mandate coins off and on now for over 25 years. On and off being that over time the need was great to pay for food and living expenses 
These are quite interesting in itself non-uncirculated too being they are holed, have three languages on them, and of course a period of usage over some 20 years total give or take.
The Palestine coins were minted from 1927 thru 1946. Denominations include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 ,50, and 100 Mil. The 50 Mil & 100 Mil are silver. Each denomination has it's keys and tough dates. The toughest denomination being the 20 Mil. There are only 59 coins to complete the entire set. In circulated grades they are by and large generally available. In true uncirculated (Mint State) conditions they are scarce with many dates very tough to extremely rare. Therefore reading only 59 coins is misleading once you realize just how tough.
As should be understood most at that time spent and used what monies was available. Few if any would be able to save or put away mint examples etc.
While reviewing the recent collection put up for sale by Heritage (earlier this month in Long Beach) I can't help but mention there were more than a handful of dates grossly overgraded. One of the keys, a 1931 100 Mil was actually barely EF at best. It seems the correctly graded examples went for strong money. I was able to pick up only TWO coins to upgrade my set. That said I've got to comment though, that even as graded, and in the high overall conditions overall - it likely took a heck of effort to put them all together.
If there is any interest I'll post a summary of the tough dates in true uncirculated conditions.
Any additonal comments are welcome. ANy other collectors out there chasing this set? I hope I did not bore anyone.
Marc
These are quite interesting in itself non-uncirculated too being they are holed, have three languages on them, and of course a period of usage over some 20 years total give or take.The Palestine coins were minted from 1927 thru 1946. Denominations include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 ,50, and 100 Mil. The 50 Mil & 100 Mil are silver. Each denomination has it's keys and tough dates. The toughest denomination being the 20 Mil. There are only 59 coins to complete the entire set. In circulated grades they are by and large generally available. In true uncirculated (Mint State) conditions they are scarce with many dates very tough to extremely rare. Therefore reading only 59 coins is misleading once you realize just how tough.
As should be understood most at that time spent and used what monies was available. Few if any would be able to save or put away mint examples etc.
While reviewing the recent collection put up for sale by Heritage (earlier this month in Long Beach) I can't help but mention there were more than a handful of dates grossly overgraded. One of the keys, a 1931 100 Mil was actually barely EF at best. It seems the correctly graded examples went for strong money. I was able to pick up only TWO coins to upgrade my set. That said I've got to comment though, that even as graded, and in the high overall conditions overall - it likely took a heck of effort to put them all together.
If there is any interest I'll post a summary of the tough dates in true uncirculated conditions.
Any additonal comments are welcome. ANy other collectors out there chasing this set? I hope I did not bore anyone.
Marc
1
Comments
I was the underbidder on a set Heritage offered at LB that they said was a partial BU set in a Dansco album, so I would love to hear your thoughts on these coins and their availability, especially on grading.
Sidetracking away from the pure coin side of things, though..
Considering mintages of Palestine coins weren't extremely high, was it common for people of the territory to use foreign coinage in daily commerce? Then again the population wasn't terribly large then either. Hmmm..
(yes, I'm thinking out loud
BTW, I just posted a Palestine 1 mil in my latest pic thread
My wantlist & references
By the way, my brother claims to possess a sovereign minted in Palestine, featuring the head of Edward VIII. I told him that I never heard of such a thing, and that it must be a fantasy coin. Yup, I just checked my CoinCraft. A pattern sovereign does exist, but nothing else, if I understand it correctly.
DPOTD
that was a nice set - it was partial of course but I reckon the buyer got a solid value. At least he/she has a major head start here with much thrill of the chase yet to come
You may want to contact William Rosenblum in Evergreen,CO he specializes in palestine coins and currency ( Israel, Islamic coins too) amongst world coins - I know he's got some super 50 & 1oo Mils in UNC. His prices are pretty fair too.
Spoon,
I believe they did indeed use foregn coinage - I'm almost positive lots of Egyptian and Turkish money was used in the whole area. perhaps even British as there have been many owners to those lands
You know the comment about the population not being large then is actually true if my history is correct - hmmm is in order.
harasha,
If you collect world coins in uncirculatd grades you really should pick up one of those 100Mil in UNC. They should cost well under $40 for a '35 or '39.
Marc
Please!
BTW, I also bought a few pieces out of the sale. The stuff was too nice. I had to play.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
<< <i>If there is any interest I'll post a summary of the tough dates in true uncirculated conditions. >>
Absolutely.
If you can image some of the different types that would be nice too.
Coins and Banknotes of the British Mandate of Palestine
To keep it simple all dates and anaylsis is based on true UNC* conditions.
1 Mil
1937 and 1940 are very tough dates to find in mint state conditions especially rare in RED, followed by Red&Brown. I've seen maybe 5 examples of 1937 in true UNC conditions in the past many years. Balance of the dates are readily available. The first year of issue 1927 is the most common date.
2 Mil
1945 and 1946 are scarce but generally can be found with no problem. As above the 1927 is the most common date too.
5 Mil
1934 is the key date here and quite tough - very seldom seen , followed by 1941. The '41 when found in UNC for some weird reason is usually a nice example. The balance of the dates are readily available with the 1927 again being the most common date in Mint State.
10 Mil
Great group of 12 dates here with the 1934 being the toughest. The 1934 though is often found as UNC but most examples are grossly overgraded. In true UNC this is a rare find indeed. The 1933 is likely the next toughest date and very scarce. I've seen only 5-6 examples in well over 10 years. Next we have the 1935 followed by 1943 in bronze (war years) equally scarce but somehat more available. The most common date again is 1927, the first year of issue.
20 Mil
This denomination is the toughest and quite rare in mint state conditons. The key date is 1941 and is very rare followed by 1934 probably equally as rare to find in true mint state conditions. The few I've seen over the years have been overgraded or exhibited way too many nicks to get I'd say anything over MS-62 at PCGS. These two dates are a thrill to own when finally found in pristine conditions. Next toughest date is the 1933 and the 1944 (BR) both equally rare and also seldom found. The most common date if we can even call it that is the 1927 once again, and downright tough mind you.
50 Mil
This silver denomination is often found with beautiful toned surfaces. Many seem to have been washed though long ago. The key date here is the 1931 which is actually quite rare and very seldom seen. In fact this date is most often found cleaned with newly toned surfaces. (I was indeed lucky and did pick up the one in the Heritage sale this month - first I've seen so nice with original toned surfaces and all in about 5 years or more. Should have it this week and will try to get a photo of it up.)
The next tough date is effectively 1934 but while usually available the 1933 seems to be tougher to find. The most common date is 1939 which gives the 1927 a break finally, that said the 1927 is quite scarce indeed in mint state condition.
100 Mil
The key date here in this all silver date run and likely the rarest date in the entire 59 piece set is the 1931. This date is almost never found in mint state conditions. In fact the example Heritage had in this past sale was actually bordeline EF. Yes, you read correct, don't ask how, it happens!
* true UNC (UNCIRCULATED i.e. Mint State (MS) condition) is uncleaned, unwashed, full tendrils/wheats with obvious original luster and surfaces. If necesaary I'll try to elaborate further at another time.
I hope this little unofficial analysis can help some of you.
Marc
P.S.Yousri, that Berlin reference book is the first excellent work done on coins and currency of the Palestine Mandate ever. I recommend it to any serious collector of the series.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I have a complete set of the series in XF to UNC all 59 of them plus I have the 1 mil souviner token.
It took me 3 years to complete it.
Three years for XF-UNC ......, imagine what it would take to complete the entire set in true mint state conditions??
Marc
The coin budget at the time was not good. and I stoped after the completion of the set. Never wanted to upgrade. I think if you are serious and have the budget, you could do in few months.
Now I am into mercury, see my sig line.
You have a very nice set no 5.
I am no 76. Long way to go
BTW, I must correct you - it would NOT take a few months - you are mistaken my friend - it took me 4 years to find my super 1941 20 Mil that PCGS graded MS-64. I believe it is the finest I've seen in 20 years. The key dates are truly TOUGH!!!
I'm looking for a nice '31 in 100 Mil which I can't find for years now
Marc
I see, You're lokking for High Grade coins. I was looking for a complete set. The 2 coins you menstioned I have them in XF condition, 1941 20 Mil and '31 in 100 Mil.
Are all your coins slabbed by PCGS, do you scan of them?
Once I found a 1927 proof set (2 coins each) for $11,000, however at that time I couldn't spend that much money on it.
Do you have that?
If so scans please
Thanks
Yousri
P.S. Check this auction:
COMPLETE SET OF 59 GREAT Palestine Coins 1927 - 1946 (F VF EF) $1,500
Link is not working. Ebay item no. 3931358450
most are slabbed in PCGS holders - I trust PCGS solely in most matters. Besides everything obvious, PCGS imho is the most conservative TPG today. A MS64 in there holder is usually a 65 or 66 in anyone else holder. I've found this true darkside and U.S. In my area of expertise, Mercury Dimes they are heads above NGC who is second best. I'd rather own an UNDER-GRADED coin to a maxed out over-graded one.
That said, if the darkside coins just need to be holdered just for the heck of it I'd probably use another service lower priced fees and all.
When I have some extra time I'll scan 2-3 examples for show and tell
Marc
major spell check edit lol
Hi all - it took 5 years almost but finally had abit of time this year to take some photos and list the set on the NGC site. I added some comments to most of the better dates for information purpose.
I wasn't able to add/upgrade much in the past 5 years so they remain just as tough as 30 years ago
Here is the link
Text
P.S. Sorry if I made anyone reread this thread from 2004
Gary
Anyone else putting a MINT set together?
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<< <i>I agree Gary..that would be nice.
Anyone else putting a MINT set together? >>
Yes, but very, very slowly. I don't know if I'll even finish because the really hard ones might not be worth the expense, but it's fun to try.
Well, after carefully looking over my collection, it does seem that my 1940 1 MIL needs an upgrade from AU. I also need a better 1942 10 MILS CN (mine although UNC, has unsightly carbon spots on the obverse). As far as 20's go, I need to upgrade my 1933 and 1934's (from their current VF status), my UNC 1935 has been cleaned at one time, my 1941 is only a nice VF and so is my 1944 BR. My 1933 50 MILS is gorgeous but has light hairlining on the reverse (obverse is a LOCK 65!) and the 1931 is an XF/AU that saw an old polishing (with a cloth, I presume). The balance are all CH to GEM UNC (although the 1931 100 MILS will probably only garner a 62. I checked and my dealer status over here is still current but the guys across the street say I have been inactive for too long and must resubmit my app. for dealer status. Once completed, I then need to decide where to slab based on your comments about PCGS/NGC parity with regards to Palestine Mandate coinage.
PS. I have a ton of trading material. PM me and I'll 'spill the beans'.
Gary
As i told you in an email, I'm really fond of the new NGC holder so I'd probably - but PCGS is just as good.
Here's to the discovery of a fully gem unc. 1931 100 mil in your near future.
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
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MS-64 NGC 10 Mils, 1927
MS-66 NGC 5 Mils, 1927
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Gary
Gary that's cool - '40 is a tough date in those grades - get it slabbed
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1927 Palestine 5 Mils ( I'm biased. I call it 66)
1934 Palestine 5 Mils (My grade, 66!, reality, we'll see!)
Last one for tonight!
1941 Palestine 5 Mils ( Lock 65!, IMHO)
What do you all think? More to follow!
Gary
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I lied!
1942 Palestine 5 Mils Bronze (64-65 FULL RED!)
Gary
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Here's another 2 pieces before I get to bed.
1935 Palestine 5 Mils (64/65 in my opinion, but who cares about my opinion?)
1944 Palestine 5 Mils (I'm posting this coin until I take better images of my FULL RED piece. This coin, 64+ BN)
Gary
1939 Palestine 5 Mils ( Probably my least favorite 5 Mils in terms of overall condition ((64?)), but still nice!).
My 1944 BN in Full RED and 1946 left to complete my 5 Mils images.
Next up, 1 Mil coins.
Gary
'bout time you posted these - they all look fantastic - I'll guess the grades abit from here too..... '27 5 Mils looks 65 , the '34 is RARE so nice, I'll say 65 ... its possibly a twin to the one I own! Note some chatter outside of the tendrils - heck at first glanch it screams 66! - regardless anything over 64 is a great find indeed
Its JMHO I may be off - but quite impressed.
Marc
Palestine mandate coins
1944 Palestine 5 Mils (it is what it is, RED)
1946 Palestine 5 Mils (colorful reverse 64ish?)
Thanks for looking/commenting!!!
Gary
1927 Palestine 1 Mil (RED)
1935 Palestine 1 Mil (RED)
1937 Palestine 1 Mil (Gorgeous, original and tough! The luster drips from this coin!)
1939 Palestine 1 Mil (RED)
1940 Palestine 1 Mil (tough coin in this RB. Lustrous!!!)
1941 Palestine 1 Mil
1942 Palestine 1 Mil (In need of upgrade)
1943 Palestine 1 Mil (In need of upgrade)
1944 Palestine 1 Mil (99% RED)
1946 Palestine 1 Mil (Super lustrous!)
Enjoy and Baruch HaShem!
Gary
Bump quite the thread from the experts.
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Blast from the past indeed, I have been out of the loop a few years now after Mandate Mints! set sold.
I do know a few more MS examples of the '31 100 Mil have surfaced.
It seems there is a PCGS MS62 example next month at HA.
Unsure how much of my info from this 2004 post is still accurate or how it might have changed since.
Gary's (OchoReales) presence is definitely missed.