The 1957 Egypt 1 Pound Gold Coin was issued to honor the fifth anniversary of the landmark Egyptian Revolution of 1952, which reshaped the nation's political and cultural identity. This revolution not only ended the reign of King Farouk but also led to the rise of Gamal Abdel Nasser, who became the symbol of Arab nationalism and self-determination.

Minted in gold and bearing the proud Eagle of Saladin, this commemorative piece is a standout among modern Egyptian coinage—both for its design and for its significance in the Arab world's political history.

Historical Significance: The 1952 Revolution & Nasser’s Egypt

The 1952 revolution was led by the Free Officers Movement—a group of nationalist military officers aiming to eliminate British influence, abolish the monarchy, and modernize Egypt. With King Farouk forced into exile, Egypt declared itself a republic the following year.

By 1956, Gamal Abdel Nasser had assumed the presidency and was already reshaping the region with policies of non-alignment, Pan-Arabism, and economic reform. The 1957 gold pound celebrates the revolution’s fifth year—symbolizing a new direction for Egypt in global affairs and national identity.

Design Elements

• Obverse:

  • Stylized inscription in Arabic script, commemorating the fifth anniversary of the revolution (1952–1957)

  • Struck in beautiful Arabic calligraphy typical of Egyptian coinage from this era

• Reverse:

  • Prominent Eagle of Saladin (also used later in the United Arab Republic emblem)

  • Denomination: 1 Pound

  • Dates: AH 1376 and AD 1957

  • Surrounded by further inscriptions in Arabic

The clean, modernist style of the eagle and the dynamic balance between text and emblem reflect the optimism and pride of the newly formed Egyptian Republic.

Coin Specifications

• Country: Egypt

• Year: 1957 (AH 1376)

• Denomination: 1 Pound

• Metal: Gold (.875 fine)

• Weight: 8.5 grams

• Diameter: ~23 mm

• Edge: Reeded

• Mintage: Estimated limited (exact figures vary but considered low for gold issues of the era)

• Mint: Egypt State Mint

Rarity & Collectibility

While the 1957 gold pound is not as scarce as early 20th-century Egyptian gold coins, it remains relatively difficult to acquire, especially in higher Mint State grades. Many examples were melted down or circulated lightly, reducing the supply of high-quality coins.

Key reasons for collector demand include:

• Nasser-era symbolism

• Nationalist historical context

• Attractive gold content and design

• Low mintage relative to demand

It also appeals to thematic collectors—those focusing on modern revolutionary movements, Middle Eastern history, or post-colonial nation building.

Ideal for Collectors of:

• Middle Eastern or Arab coinage

• Revolutionary-era gold coins

• Post-WWII commemoratives

• World gold type sets

• Numismatic symbols of independence or sovereignty

Comparisons & Companions

This coin pairs well with:

• 1956 Egypt silver 25 piastres (Suez Crisis issues)

• 1926 & 1938 King Fuad gold pounds

• 1958–1961 United Arab Republic coinage (Egypt-Syria union)

Collectors assembling a regional gold type set or focusing on mid-20th-century geopolitical change often consider this coin a key piece.

Certification & Grading

Many examples are available raw, but certified examples from NGC or PCGS add authenticity and stability to long-term collections. In Mint State (MS63 or higher), these coins are much harder to find and command premiums.

If you’re considering submitting one for grading, make sure it has:

• Sharp strike

• No evidence of cleaning

• Minimal marks or handling

Preservation Tips

• Store in a certified slab or inert holder

• Avoid contact with bare hands

• Keep away from humidity or temperature shifts

Conclusion

The 1957 Egypt 1 Pound Gold Coin is more than just bullion—it is a historic commemorative that bridges Egypt’s ancient coinage legacy with its modern revolutionary identity. As a tribute to one of the most transformative decades in Egypt’s 20th-century history, this coin is essential for collectors interested in Arab nationalism, modern political change, and mid-century gold coinage.

Its beauty, symbolism, and scarcity make it a fascinating conversation piece and a tangible link to an era that reshaped the Arab world.

This information is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. For investment-related decisions, consult a licensed financial advisor.