Palestine - Zichron Jacob - 1/4 Piastre 1885 - Haffner CC-17C - PCGS AU 50 - Extremely Rare

Palestine - Zichron Jacob - 1/4 Piastre 1885 - Haffner CC-17C - PCGS AU 50 - Extremely Rare A brass token denominated 1/4 Piastre, intended for use by the residents of Zichron Jacob and nearby settlements. It was struck in Paris in 1885 due to a shortage of small change and circulated locally for a short period, until the Ottoman authorities discovered the "Zichron Jacob coins", confiscated them, and prohibited their use. As a result, only a limited number survived in private hands. This token is considered one of the most important and desirable items in the field of Palestine and Holy Land numismatics. The piece is exceptionally rare in all three rarity parameters - quality, quantity, and frequency of appearance on the market. It is regarded as the first locally issued means of payment intended exclusively for use in the Land of Israel after nearly 2,000 years, as regional and foreign coinage had been used exclusively until that time.