Iraq 10 Fils (Octagonal)
Country of Origin: Iraq
Year of Issue: 1979
Denomination: 10 Fils
Composition: Copper-Nickel / Nickel-Brass alloy (typically 75% Copper, 25% Nickel for this era)
Brief Description
An octagonal (eight-sided) coin featuring the number 10 and the date 1979 on one side, and stylized Arabic script on the other, surrounded by an ornate border.
Historical Significance
Issued during the Republic of Iraq under the administration of the Ba'ath Party. This period was marked by the nationalization of oil and rapid modernization before the prolonged Iran-Iraq War began in 1980.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $5.00 - $10.00 in high Mint State (MS) grades.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges; avoid cleaning with chemicals or abrasives which can strip the original patina. Store in a PVC-free flip or coin capsule.
Mint Mark
None (Produced by the British Royal Mint under contract for Iraq)
Mintage & Rarity
Approximately 50,000,000; Common
Weight & Diameter
4.15 g, 22.0 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine; the coin shows significant surface wear, minor scratches, and grime in the recessed areas, though the designs remain clearly legible.
Obverse (Front)
Features the Western year '1979' above a large Western-style number '10'. Below is some Arabic calligraphy, all enclosed within a circular frame and an ornate, flowing border following the octagonal shape.
Reverse (Back)
Stylized Arabic calligraphy in the center (representing the name of the state), surrounded by the same ornate scrolling border found on the obverse.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/grade and eye appeal are the primary factors. As a common modern coin, only exceptional uncirculated examples carry a significant premium.
Similar Coins
Iraq 5 Fils and 25 Fils of the same era share the octagonal shape and design motifs but differ in size and central denominations.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authentic coins have sharp, well-defined edge angles and clear calligraphy. Counterfeits are rare for this low-value denomination but would often appear 'mushy' or have incorrect weight.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Standard issue; no major confirmed die varieties for this specific year are widely recognized in standard catalogs like Krause (KM).
Created At: 2026-06-14T15:51:16.983811