Owner Comments:
As we approach the significant events that led to Morocco becoming a French Protectorate, let’s set the stage. All the world’s a stage, and all the great powers merely players. They have their entrances and their exits, and each in his time moves the world closer to the Great War (to paraphrase Shakespeare).
Around 1900, there were 8 great powers. Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States. Each of these exerted considerable influence both in their own region, and around the world. Smaller powers often consulted with the great powers before taking international action – and the smaller powers often relied on treaties with the great powers for their protection. The Ottoman Empire was also still largely influential, but by 1900 the Ottoman empire was in decline and could no longer be considered a great power (the importance of the Ottoman empire should not be underestimated, however, as the death throes of this once great empire contributed to the events leading to the Great War).
Throughout much of the 19th century, the great powers struggled with each other for increased influence and territory. A long series of treaties and wars ensued as each power jostled to pre-eminence in Africa and Asia. These struggles for more power led France to invade Algeria in 1830, and led to France’s desire for Morocco (just to give the most apropos example for this collection).
Moving now to the present coin, the AH1321 coinage of Birmingham is, across all denominations, harder to find in great condition than the 1320 coinage. For example, the AH1320 muzuna had a mintage of 3 million, but 1321 was only 900,000. A similar pattern can be found across all denominations.
This particular coin is the single highest graded for the date. While it is designated as BN (brown), there are quite a few traces of red peeking out in hidden areas. The strike isn’t quite as strong as my 1320, but the luster is beautiful!