Are there any known counterfeits in Iraqi coins, and if so, which ones? I have two Iraqi Army anniversary 500 Fils that are suspect. Are any bad coins known, do I need to keep looking for a genuine specimen, or is this an emergency issue? The coins I have are nickel-plated, soft, heavy metal.
I also would like to identify thie coin pictured. It features A.Karim, and was issued in 1959 for the anniversary of his first year as president. The coin is almost 2" in diameter. I have read that there were 500 fil and ten Dinar coins issued for this anniversary. The rim has 1958, two stars, 14, and another character that I cannot read.

The one you illustrate is easily found in Krause, at the very end of Iraq under "Medallic Issues". (At least, it is in the 1985 edition).

It is described as 50% silver and there is a note:
"This piece does not carry a desgnation of value and is considered a medal by most authorities".

The value in 1985 was shown as VF $12.50, XF$17.50, Unc $25, Proof $40 . Of course, it would be more now.

The 1985 catalogue shows no 500 fils or 10 dinar coins at all for Iraq in or before 1959 .

I still can't help you with the counterfeit question.

Frank Apied

Francophile seems to have been a very helpful person with good feedback. Why exactly was his account closed ? I know that it was done by Delcampe suddenly against his will, and they never explained to him why. It loooks like an unfortunate administrative mistake.Francophile told me at the time that his protests were never replied to even .

Plantag