Palestine - Ramleh, 10 and 30 Para 1863 - Rare Commercial Tokens from the Ottoman Period

Palestine - Ramleh, 10 and 30 Para 1863 - Rare Commercial Tokens from the Ottoman Period A highly rare pair of commercial tokens issued in Ramleh in 1863 by the merchant H.G.S., bearing the inscription "SUG. EL-MANSCIE RAMLE", most likely referring to the name of a local shop or trading establishment operating in the town during the Ottoman era. Such tokens were used as local means of payment in marketplaces and shops, particularly in areas where the circulation of official Ottoman copper coins was irregular or insufficient. Obverse: Denominations 10 PARA and 30 PARA, dated 1863, with the inscription "SUG. EL-MANSCIE H.G.S. RAMLE" around and small stars within the design. Reverse: Arabic inscriptions indicating the denomination and the Hijri year (1279), accompanied by decorative elements. These tokens provide a rare glimpse into the commercial and economic life of 19th-century Ottoman Palestine, reflecting the diverse and multi-cultural nature of the region at the time. Tokens of this type from Ramleh are extremely scarce on the collectors’ market - a rare opportunity for specialists in Ottoman exonumia and early Holy Land numismatics. 10 Para: Weight: 1.680 g Diameter: 18 mm 30 Para: Weight: 2.637 g Diameter: 20 mm