200 Franc Morocco Silver Mohammed V of Morocco (1909 - 1961)

Reference: KM-53.

Mint Place: Paris (France)

Mint Date: 1953 (AH 1372)

Denomination: 200 Francs Material: Silver (.720) Diameter: 22mm Weight: 7.88gm

Morocco has a very important strategic location, as a gateway to western Europe. This has resulted in the nation being attacked and subjugated by many invaders from the Phoenicians and Romans to the more modern French and Spanish. At the time of the mintage of this coin, Morocco was under French control. Of interest, is the fact that Morocco was the first nation to recognize the sovereignity of the United States in 1777. Mohammed V (10 August 1909 – 26 February 1961) was Sultan of Morocco from 1927–53, exiled from 1953–55, where he was again recognized as Sultan upon his return, and King from 1957 to 1961. His full name was Sidi Mohammed ben Yusef, or Son of (Sultan) Yusef, upon whose death he succeeded to the throne. He was a member of the Alaouite Dynasty. On 20 August 1953, the French who were occupying Morocco at the time forced Mohammed V and his family into exile on Corsica. A relative of his, Mohammed Ben Aarafa, was placed on the throne. Mohammed V and his family were then transferred to Madagascar in January 1954. Mohammed V returned from exile on 16 November 1955, and was again recognized as Sultan after active opposition to the French protectorate. In February 1956 he successfully negotiated with France for the independence of Morocco, and in 1957 took the title of King.