Jordan - Part 1: Circulation Coins

Set Description


The "circulation-type" coins of Jordan are divided into six distinct issues, based on the general characteristics of the coins as discussed below. The reason I call these coins "circulation-type" as opposed to just "circulation" is that there are some dates included in this group that were never released into circulation; they were minted exclusively for collector mint sets. Additionally, the coins in this group are all MS coins, and not proofs. Proof strikes for many of the coins in this group exist, and are included in Part 2 of this signature set.

# 1st Issue: 1949 #
This is the first issue of Jordanian coins ever. It consists of 7 coins (6 denominations). The initial batch of the 1 Fils denomination was erroneously minted bearing the incorrect singular "Fil". This was fixed in later strikes, thus creating KM #1 and KM #2.

# 2nd Issue: 1955-1967 #
This issue differs very slightly from the first issue. The only difference is that the English side of the coin reads "THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN" whereas the 1st Issue coins read "THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF THE JORDAN". This issue consists of 28 coins: 1955 (5 coins), 1960 (3 coins), 1962 (4 coins), 1963 (1 coin), 1964 (7 coins), 1965 (6 coins), and 1967 (2 coins). Notice that the 1964 issue has two versions of the 5 Fils denomination. This is because the first variation of the coin bears Islamic "AH" date 1383, while the second variation bears the date 1384. Keep in mind that the Islamic calendar is not in sync with the Gregorian calendar and is based on the lunar cycle.

# 3rd Issue: 1968-1977 #
This issue was introduced shortly after the Central Bank of Jordan replaced the Jordan Currency Board (1964). Initially, the same denominations that had been in circulation previously were kept, with one exception: the 20 Fils was replaced by a 25 Fils. Shortly afterwards, however, a ¼ Dinar (250 Fils) denomination was also introduced. One side of the coins featured the denomination and date while the other featured the late King Hussein I of Jordan. All in all, this issue consists of 27 coins: 1968 (6 coins), 1970 (5 coins), 1972 (2 coins), 1974 (5 coins), 1975 (6 coins), and 1977 (3 coins).

# 4th Issue: 1978-1991 #
This issue is identical to the previous issue except for the fact that the image of King Hussein had been modified to feature the monarch as an older man. This issue consists of 27 coins: 1978 (7 coins), 1981 (4 coins), 1984 (5 coins), 1985 (7 coins), 1989 (3 coins), and 1991 (3 coins).

# 5th Issue: 1992-1998 #
A new, refreshing design was long-overdue when this issue was introduced. The new set of coins completely eliminated the 1 Fils, but all other denominations remained. Additionally, two new high denominations were introduced: the half Dinar and the Dinar coins. Keep in mind that a Dinar consists of 100 Piastres (or Qirsh's), which is equivalent to 1000 Fils. This issue consists of 18 coins: 1992 (3 coins), 1993 (2 coins), 1994 (1 coin), 1996 (8 coins), 1997 (3 coins), and 1998 (2 coins).

# 6th Issue: 2000-present #
Due to the untimely death of King Hussein I, the 5th Issue was discontinued and similar coins, but bearing the likeness of King Abdullah II, were introduced. This issue consists of 18 coins: 2000 (5 coins), 2004 (2 coins), 2006 (4 coins), 2008 (4 coins), and 2009 (5 coins). In 2000, there are two varieties of the 1 Qirsh coin. The first variety has the Gregorian date to the left and the Islamic date to the right. In the second varierty, these dates are flipped.

Set Goals
This is Part 1 of 6 in a collection consisting of all Jordanian coins and medals, including Jordan-themed foreign items as well. Part 1 contains all "circulation-type" coins ever minted by government of Jordan.

LINKS
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6