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Auction: 17005 - British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals
Lot: 489

Ottoman Turkey, Abdul Hamid II (1876-1909), opening of the Hejaz Railway AH1318 (1900 AD), cupro-nickel medal, toughra and locomotive in wreath, rev. Arabic inscription, 30mm. (Moyaux 568A; cf. Swan 332), pierced at 12 o'clock, extremely fine, scarce

Sultan Abdul Hamid II announced the building of a railway to the holy cities of Medina and Mecca in 1900. It was to be financed from donations, and operated entirely by Ottoman subjects. Donors were rewarded with a medal, struck in a variety of metals: the wearable versions being either 68mm or 30mm. However, Arab rebels prevented the construction crews from reaching Mecca. Continued opposition during World War I resulted in the line terminating at Medina.

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Sold for
£150