Morocco | 1974 | 20 Santimat | King Hassan II

 




King Hassan II 


King Hassan II of Morocco (1929–1999) was educated at the Imperial College in Rabat and earned a law degree from the University of Bordeaux. Exiled with his father, Sultan Mohammed V, in 1953, he acted as his political advisor until their return in 1955. He played a key role in Morocco’s independence, becoming Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces and later Crown Prince, ascending the throne in 1961. Hassan survived two assassination attempts in the 1970s, aligned Morocco with the West during the Cold War, and mediated in Arab-Israeli relations. His reign included regaining Ifni, the 1975 Green March, and promoting economic development through agriculture, tourism, and phosphates. However, the period from the 1960s to 1980s saw severe repression known as the “Years of Lead.” In the 1990s, he implemented political reforms, released prisoners, expanded parliamentary roles, and created the Royal Council for Human Rights. Hassan II died of natural causes in 1999, with a state funeral attended by around 40 heads of state.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Belgium | 1991 | 5 Francs | King Baudouin I

Image
  King Baudouin of Belgium Baudouin (1930–1993) became King of the Belgians in 1951 after his father Leopold III abdicated. He reigned for 42 years until his death in 1993. The eldest son of Leopold III and Princess Astrid of Sweden, he had no children, so he was succeeded by his brother, Albert II. During his reign, the Belgian Congo gained independence, an event marked by tense exchanges with Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. Baudouin represented Belgium at major international events, including the 1963 state funeral of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. In 1976, the King Baudouin Foundation was established to improve living conditions in Belgium. He also held prestigious honors, including knighthood in the Orders of the Golden Fleece and the Garter. Baudouin died unexpectedly of heart failure in Spain in 1993, leading to nationwide mourning. Half a million people paid their respects during his lying-in-state, and he was buried in the royal vault at Laeken.
Read more

East Carribean States | 1965 | 10 Cents | Queen Elizabeth

Image
Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II (born 21 April 1926) became monarch in 1952 and has reigned over multiple Commonwealth realms as they evolved through decolonization and constitutional change. Initially queen of seven countries, she later served as monarch of many more, including Jamaica, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. She is the longest-lived and second longest-reigning British monarch. Born in London, Elizabeth became heir presumptive when her father, George VI, took the throne in 1936. During World War II she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. In 1947 she married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and they had four children. Her reign has included significant events such as devolution in the UK, Canadian patriation, and major world conflicts. She has undertaken historic state visits and maintained a high level of public popularity despite periods of criticism and personal challenges, including family tragedies and public scrutiny. Her major jubilees—Silver (19...
Read more

Denmark | 1957 | 1 Krone | King Frederick IX

Image
  King Frederick IX Frederick IX (1899–1972) was King of Denmark from 1947 until his death in 1972. Born at Sorgenfri Palace, he was the son of King Christian X and Queen Alexandrine and belonged to the House of Glücksburg. With the death of his great-grandfather Christian IX in 1906 and later his grandfather Frederick VIII in 1912, Frederick’s father became King Christian X, making Frederick the crown prince. Frederick was briefly engaged to Princess Olga of Greece and Denmark but ultimately married Princess Ingrid of Sweden in 1935. They had three daughters. He served as regent from 1942–43 when his father was incapacitated. Frederick became king in 1947 and was proclaimed from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace. Near the New Year of 1972, he fell ill with flu-like symptoms, suffered cardiac arrest, and died on 14 January 1972 after several days of critical illness.  
Read more