AlgeriaRepublic Fao (10Ani) 5 Dinars ND1972a FDC (Mint)

Exceptional nickel high grade coin struck for a single day. To commemorate 10th. Anniversary of FAO. This coin was struck at Paris Mint, though unmarked. Algiers, the capital and chief seaport of Algeria, was the site of Phoenician and Roman settlements before the present Moslem city was founded about 950. Nominally part of the Sultanate of Tilimsan, Algiers had a large measure of independence under the amirs of its own. In 1492 the Jews and the Moors who had been expelled from Spain settled in Algiers and enjoyed an increasing influence until the imposition of Turkish control in 1518. For the following three centuries, Algiers was the headquarters of the notorious Barbary pirates as Turkish control became more nominal. The French took Algiers in 1830, and after a long and wearisome war completed the conquest of Algeria and annexed it to France, 1848. Following the Armistice signed by France and Nazi Germany on June 22nd. 1940. Algeria fell under Vichy Government control until liberated by the Allied invasion forces under the command of General D.D. Eisenhower on November the 8th. 1942. The inability to obtain equal rights with the Frenchmen led to an organized revolt which began on November 1st, 1954, and lasted until a ceasefire was signed on July 1st. 1962. Independence was proclaimed on July 5th. 1962, following a self-determination referendum. The Republic was declared on September 25th. 1962.