Jordanian 10 Piastres (Qirsh) Cupro-Nickel Coin
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation) · Non-gold; Nickel-colored base metal alloy.
Purity: 0% (Not Gold). Based on visual analysis, this item is a Cupro-Nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel), not a gold item. It lacks the distinctive luster, color, and density associated with gold alloys.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation)
Purity
0% (Not Gold). Based on visual analysis, this item is a Cupro-Nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel), not a gold item. It lacks the distinctive luster, color, and density associated with gold alloys.
Gold Type
Non-gold; Nickel-colored base metal alloy.
Weight
Approximately 8.0 grams based on standard specifications for this Jordanian denomination.
Description
This is a base-metal Jordanian 10 Piastres coin, featuring an 11-sided (undecagonal) shape. The reverse side shown displays stylized wheat stalks, stars, and waves, which are iconic symbols of Jordanian agriculture, water, and sovereignty. The metallic white color is characteristic of cupro-nickel, the standard material for high-denomination circulation coins in Jordan. It is often mistaken for white gold or silver by novices, but it lacks the weight and specific hallmarks of those metals.
Key Features
Undecagonal (11-sided) shape; Arabic script; symbolic imagery including wheat ears and seven-pointed stars (representing the seven verses of the Al-Fatiha in the Quran).
Color & Finish
Silver-white or greyish metallic color consistent with nickel alloys; semi-glossy circulation finish with significant surface scratches and contact marks.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Arabic script identifying the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. No precious metal hallmarks or fineness stamps are present because the item is not made of precious metal.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of approximately 28mm with an undecagonal (11-sided) shape; standard thickness for mid-sized Jordanian coinage.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item is a struck metal coin with relief designs.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (coin). The edge appears smooth on the flat sides of the 11-sided polygon.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The item is solid metal without links.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck from steel dies; the relief is sharp and consistent with industrial minting processes. The alignment is standard medallic orientation.
Authentication Indicators
The color is too 'cold' for 18K white gold and lacks the rhodium-plated brilliance. The specific 11-sided shape is a diagnostic feature of standard Jordanian currency, not jewelry or bullion.
Origin & Maker
Jordan; struck at a national or contracted international mint (often the Royal Mint, UK, for Jordanian currency).
Era & Period
Contemporary (Modern Era); specifically associated with the reign of King Hussein bin Talal or King Abdullah II.
Age Estimate
Likely produced between 1992 and 2020 based on the modern wheat and star design motifs found on Jordanian Qirsh denominations.
Cultural Significance
A fundamental unit of currency in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, reflecting the nation's agricultural heritage and Islamic identity through its iconography.
Condition Notes
Very Good (Circulated). The field of the coin shows numerous light scratches and 'bag marks' from circulation. The high points of the wheat design show slight flattening.
Value Estimate
Nominal value (approx. $0.14 USD). Numismatic value for a circulated specimen is minimal, generally $0.25 - $1.00 USD. It has zero gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to avoid oxidation of the copper-nickel alloy. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they will strip the original mint luster and damage the surface.
Similar Items
Jordanian 5 Piastres (smaller, circular), UK 50 Pence (heptagonal, different design), or 18K White Gold medals (which would be heavier and hallmarked '750').
Interesting Facts
Jordanian coins often feature the seven-pointed star, which is a significant symbol found on the Jordanian national flag. While this coin is not gold, Jordan does issue 22K gold sovereign-sized coins for commemorative purposes, which would be distinctly yellow and hallmarked.