Bidspirit auction | Palestine - Ramle, 10 Para

Palestine - Ramle, 10 Para 1863 - Ottoman Empire Trade Token - PCGS XF 45 - Rare - Lec-46a - A rare commercial token issued in 1863 during the Ottoman Empire period, by the merchant H.G.S., bearing the inscription ”SUG. EL-MANSCIE RAMLE”, apparently referring to the name of the shop or trading house operating in the city at the time. Tokens of this type were used as local circulating currency in markets and shops, especially in areas where there was a shortage of low-denomination Ottoman copper coinage. Obverse: denomination ”10 PARA”, date 1863, inscription ”SUG. EL-MANSCIE H.G.S. RAMLE” around the border, with decorative stars and ornaments. Reverse: Arabic inscription indicating the denomination and the Hijri year 1279, surrounded by delicate decorative elements. These tokens provide rare evidence of local commerce and economic activity in Ottoman Palestine, reflecting the multicultural character of the region during the mid-19th century. Pieces of this type are seldom encountered on the collectors' market and are highly desirable among collectors of Ottoman tokens and early Holy Land numismatics. 1.680 g. 18 mm.