New Coin Series for Morocco

The central bank of Morocco, Bank Al-Maghrib, has issued a new coin series into circulation as part of its latest round of currency updates. Alongside new 10 centimes, 20 centimes, ½ dirham, 1 dirham, 5 dirham, and 10 dirham coins, an updated 100 dirham banknote has also been issued.

This is the first complete new coin series since those issued in 2011, with each new coin featuring a different design focusing on a specific theme or value. The new coin themes are as follows: 

• 10 centimes – agriculture

• 20 centimes – sustainable development and environment

• ½ dirham – cultural diversity

• 1 dirham – national sovereignty

• 5 dirhams – development of the Moroccan Sahara

• 10 dirhams – development and infrastructure.

Source: Bank Al-Maghrib.

According to the Bank, each new coin ‘recounts a unique tale, while emphasizing one of the themes and values that bind us together’.

As with the previous series, the obverse of the 1, 5, and 10 dirham coins depict HM King Mohammed VI in the centre, with ‘Mohammed VI’ and ‘Kingdom of Morocco’ inscribed in Arabic on either side of the effigy. Likewise, the obverse of the ½ dirham, and 10 and 20 centimes coins continue to feature the national arms of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The dimensions, weight and composition of the coins are the same as those of the previous series. The 10 and 20 centimes are made of brass plated steel and the ½ and 1 dirham of nickel plated steel. The 5 and 10 dirhams are both bimetallic – the former comprising a coper nickel ring with a Nordic gold core, and vice versa for the latter, ie. a Nordic gold ring and copper nickel core.

The entire production process for the new coin series and banknote has been carried out by the country’s national banknote printing and minting works, Dar As-Sikkah.