1938 Egypt 5 Piastres

The 1938 5 Piastres was the first coin in its denomination to feature King Farouk I, who had just ascended the throne at age 18.

Struck from 0.500 fine silver at the Cairo Mint, it weighs about 25 grams and measures 37 millimeters across. The obverse shows Farouk's portrait, facing right, while the reverse displays the Egyptian coat of arms flanked by the denomination. Mintage figures for that year are murky; records from the era often went missing in bureaucratic shuffles.

Edge reeding was added to deter clipping, a common nuisance in silver circulation. I've seen plenty of these over the years, and they're often found in circulated condition, their luster faded from pocket wear. Not exactly rare, but they hold their value steadily. As for myths about hidden treasures, let's just say I've handled enough to know most stories are as thin as a worn planchet.