Algeria 1 Centime 1383 (1964) KM 94 UNC Coin
The Algeria 1 Centime 1383 (1964) KM#94 is an early coin of the independent People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Issued only a short time after Algeria achieved independence from France in 1962, this small aluminium coin belongs to the formative period of the country’s modern monetary system.
Its use of the Hijri date 1383 alongside the modern dating convention gives the coin additional cultural and historical interest.
Historical Background
Algeria gained independence from France on 5 July 1962, following more than seven years of war and over a century of French colonial rule.
Initially, Algeria continued using currency closely connected with the French monetary system. The country subsequently established the Algerian Dinar in 1964, replacing the Algerian new franc at parity.
The new currency was divided into:
1 Dinar = 100 Centimes
The 1 Centime KM#94 therefore represents the smallest denomination of Algeria’s new national currency system and belongs to its first generation of post-independence coins.
Coin Specifications
- Country: Algeria
- Denomination: 1 Centime
- Islamic Date: 1383 AH
- Gregorian Year: 1964
- KM Number: KM#94
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)
- Value: 0.01 Dinar
- Composition: Aluminium
- Weight: approx. 1.16 g
- Diameter: approx. 20 mm
- Shape: Round
- Orientation: Coin alignment
- Type: Standard circulation coin
Obverse
The obverse features the national emblem of Algeria used during the early years following independence.
The design includes:
- Algerian national symbolism
- Arabic inscriptions
- الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية – People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
- Revolutionary and agricultural imagery
The use of Arabic inscriptions was particularly significant in the development of a distinct national currency after the end of French colonial administration.
Reverse
The reverse displays:
- Large numeral 1
- Centime denomination
- Date 1383 AH
- Agricultural decoration
- Wheat ears
- Arabic inscriptions
The simple agricultural imagery reflects a design language frequently used on the first generation of coins issued by newly independent states during the 20th century.
Edge
The coin has a plain edge, consistent with its small denomination and lightweight aluminium construction.
1383 AH and 1964
One of the most interesting aspects of this coin is its date.
The coin is marked 1383 according to the Islamic Hijri calendar, corresponding approximately to 1963–1964 in the Gregorian calendar. Numismatic catalogues conventionally classify this particular Algerian issue as 1964.
For your UNCNOTE catalogue, I would therefore keep both dates exactly as you provided them:
1383 (1964)
This gives collectors both the date actually visible on the coin and the Gregorian year under which the issue is normally catalogued.
Why Add This Coin to Your Collection?
The Algeria 1 Centime 1383 (1964) KM 94 UNC coin is a small but historically interesting piece from the beginning of Algeria’s independent monetary history.
It is particularly suitable for collectors of Algerian coins, African currency, Islamic-dated coins, post-colonial issues, aluminium coins and early independence-era money.
Its UNC condition is especially attractive for a lightweight aluminium coin, as this metal can easily acquire scratches, marks and surface wear during circulation.
