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Heritage

Morocco Marks Quarter-Century Milestone with Numismatic and Philatelic Tributes

Wednesday 31 July 2024 - 10:45

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In a grand gesture to commemorate 25 years of His Majesty King Mohammed VI's reign, Morocco's central bank and postal service have unveiled exclusive mementos that capture the essence of this historic occasion. Bank Al-Maghrib and Barid Al-Maghrib have collaborated to produce a commemorative silver coin and an innovative postage stamp, respectively, each a testament to the nation's progress over the past quarter-century.

A Sterling Tribute

Bank Al-Maghrib's contribution to the celebration is a meticulously crafted silver coin, boasting a face value of 250 dirhams. This numismatic masterpiece weighs 28.28 grams and measures 38.61 millimeters in diameter. Minted from an alloy of 925 thousandths silver and 75 thousandths copper, the coin features a milled edge and a "Proof" type strike, elevating its collector's appeal.

The obverse of the coin presents an artistic rendition of the Allegiance Ceremony to King Mohammed VI, while the reverse side bears a multilingual inscription commemorating the 25th anniversary. This inscription is thoughtfully rendered in Arabic, French, and Tifinagh, reflecting Morocco's rich linguistic heritage. The reverse also showcases an artistic representation of the Royal Coat of Arms, along with the year "2024-1446" and the face value in various scripts.

Philatelic Innovation

Not to be outdone, Barid Al-Maghrib has pushed the boundaries of philatelic artistry with its special issue postage stamp and souvenir sheet. This innovative creation serves as a visual chronicle of Morocco's significant achievements during King Mohammed VI's tenure.

The souvenir sheet is a marvel of design, featuring stylized illustrations that symbolize key developmental milestones. These include the Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline, representing the country's strategic partnerships in Africa, the Mohammed VI Tower, the Grand Theater of Rabat, the Mohammed VI Football Academy, and an aerial view of the Agadir desalination plant. Each element is carefully chosen to represent the diverse sectors that have seen remarkable growth and innovation.

What sets this philatelic offering apart is its groundbreaking production technique. In a first for the field, the design incorporates a mix of premium materials including oak wood veneer, gold foil, and graphic paper. These are brought together using advanced methods such as laser cutting and digital UV inkjet printing, resulting in a truly unique collector's item.

A Tradition of Excellence

This latest release continues Barid Al-Maghrib's tradition of marking national milestones with innovative philatelic creations. Previous notable issues include the block-sheets commemorating the 20th and 10th anniversaries of King Mohammed VI's enthronement, as well as a special release for His Majesty's 50th birthday.

Public Engagement

To further engage the public in this momentous occasion, Barid Al-Maghrib is hosting a philatelic exhibition titled "25th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI" at its museum in Rabat. The exhibition opens tomorrow, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Morocco's rich philatelic history.

Additionally, a presentation ceremony for this innovative new issue is scheduled for August 8, providing an opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to gain deeper insights into the creation of these commemorative pieces.

As Morocco reflects on a quarter-century of progress and looks forward to future achievements, these numismatic and philatelic treasures serve as tangible reminders of the nation's journey under the guidance of King Mohammed VI.