The British occupied Egypt in 1916 in order to "defend" the Suez Canal. From there they set out on further offensive operations into Ottoman Palestine and down into Darfur in Sudan. Meanwhile the Italians were fighting in Libya.
In 1916, General Sir Archibald Murray was given command and additional resources and the mission of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force changed from the defense of the Suez to an invasion of Palestine.
In 1916 these coins were struck for the first of two years. Along with 2 Piasters, 10 Piasters, and the big 20 Piasters. There is also a 100 Piasters gold coin which is about the same size as this silver coin.