The last three kings of Iraq - as seen on coins.

[Ice Torch]

In these times when North Africa and the Middle East are in turmoil,
it is instructive to look back into history a little, at the three
kings of modern Iraq in the 20th century.

Let's start with Faisal I, son of the Grand Sharif of Mecca, who
fought alongside Lawrence of Arabia to topple the Ottoman Empire, and
went on to become first king of modern Iraq. To read about him, and
see him as portrayed on his coinage, click on the link below:

http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,8979.0.html

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Next up is King Ghazi: a brief reign, but he was portrayed on his
coins by Percy Metcalfe, designer of Ireland's famous barnyard set.
Click on the link below to read about the King and view his numismatic
portrait:

http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,8982.0.html

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Finally, Faisal II, the tragic young king with film star looks. His
brutal assassination marked the end of the Hashemite monarchy in Iraq,
thus eventually paving the way for Saddam Hussein. Click on the link
below to see him in Hollywood, with his cousin King Hussein of Jordan,
and as he appeared, man and boy, on his coins:

http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,8986.0.html

Ice Torch.