1st Republic (1957-1987) Coin List
The First Republic of Tunisia, established in 1957 following the country's independence, marked a period of political and economic transformation that lasted until 1987. During these three decades, Tunisia underwent significant changes that were reflected in its monetary system and the currencies that circulated in the country.
Evolution of the Tunisian monetary system
After independence, Tunisia initially kept the Tunisian franc as its official currency, inherited from the French protectorate era. However, in 1958, the Tunisian dinar was introduced as the new monetary unit, divided into 1000 millimes. This transition symbolized the country's economic sovereignty and its desire to distance itself from colonial influence. The first Tunisian dinar coins featured motifs celebrating independence and national identity, including agricultural and cultural symbols specific to Tunisia. Over the following decades, various series of coins were issued reflecting the country's economic and social development, with denominations ranging from 1 millime to 1 dinar.
Characteristics and themes of Tunisian coins
Tunisian coins of this period were characterized by their thematic diversity and evolution in design. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was common to find coins depicting the modernization and industrialization of the country, with images of factories, ships and airplanes. Commemorative pieces were also minted to celebrate important events such as the tenth anniversary of independence in 1966. In the 1980s, coins began to reflect a greater emphasis on Tunisia's cultural and archaeological heritage, with depictions of historical sites such as the El Jem amphitheater or the Kairouan mosque. Minting quality improved markedly during this period, and more durable alloys were introduced for the most widely circulated coins. These pieces not only served as a medium of exchange, but also acted as ambassadors of Tunisian history and culture, both within the country and abroad.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable 1st Republic (1957-1987) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins list has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Old coins of Tunisia
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of Tunisia.
Ottoman Empire 1574-1705 Belycate of Tunisia 1795-1881 French Protectorate 1881-1956 1st Republic 1957-1987 2nd Republic 1988-?Coin Catalog
Túnez | 1 millim
Túnez | 2 millimes
Túnez | 5 millimes
Túnez | 1/2 dinar
Túnez | 1 dinar (Virgil)
Túnez | 1 dinar (Neptune)
Túnez | 1 dinar (Diocletian's Arch in Sufetula)
Túnez | 1 dinar (FAO)
Túnez | 1/2 dinar (FAO)
Túnez | 1 dinar (FAO)
Túnez | 5 dinars (20th Anniversary of Independence)
Túnez | 10 millimes
Túnez | 10 millimes
Túnez | 20 millimes
Túnez | 50 millimes
Túnez | 100 millimes
Túnez | 5 dinars (International Year of the Child)
Túnez | 10 dinars (25th anniversary BCT Comptoir Gabes)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Tunisia
Can't find what you are looking for? Take a look at our coin finder and speed up your searches within the collections of all collectors, or if you prefer you can search directly in the list of coin collectors and access their profile to see their collections.