The 5 dirhams of 1970 is a note from the early reign of Hassan II, who came to the throne in 1961. Beside the king’s portrait stands the fortified earthen village of Ait Benhaddou between Marrakesh and Ouarzazate, one of the most recognisable sights of southern Morocco.

The back is devoted to industry, showing a plant processing farm produce: this is how a note of the young currency spoke of the country’s modernisation. Since 1987 Ait Benhaddou has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an example of traditional southern Moroccan earthen architecture.

For a Morocco collection it is an early page in the history of the dirham with a portrait of Hassan II, and for an architecture set it is one of the depictions of Ait Benhaddou, a World Heritage site. UNC condition means the note has never circulated: no folds, no wear, no soiling, even corners — just as it left the press.

Other banknotes of this country and issues on related themes can be found in the VPcoins catalogue.