This coin came into my posession from a jeweler, here in Baghdad. It was given to him to be turned into a pendant, or some other gold trinket, so naturally I purchased it off him for it's gold value. Just wanted to see if anyone can help me identify it and whether it has any numismatic value. I tried whatever limited resources I have right now (read:ebay) to no avail. In a few days I will be able to get the writing translated by one of our translators, until then all I have is pictures. Any Middle Eastern collectors here? Thanks in advance.
The design of the top photo is very similar to the reverse of KM#153, a nickle 1 Dinar commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Iraqi Air Force, but the date "1981" in arabic is on the right side, and the coin is 10-sided instead of round. The diameter is approximately the same. Of course that's Sadaam's bust. The obverse of the coin shown in Krause is also very similar, including the double date at the bottom and script in the same positions. The center device, however, is the standard Republic of Iraq denomination, consisting of a number over a word in Arabic ("1" over "dinar", "25" over "fils", etc.); not the more complicated legends on your piece. Every Republic of Iraq (1959-present) coin pictured in Krause has the denomination in a circle in the center of the obverse, leading me to guess that you have a gold medal, not a coin, issued in commemoration of the IAF anniversary.
Sorry to be a little off topic, but you're a Russian in Iraq? May I ask why? Ya toghe gavaryu parusski -Ilya
It's a story with a twist. I'm Russian who is now a US citizen as of recently, as well as a member of the US forces in Iraq.
I agree that this is probably a medal or medallion, rather than an actual coin. Value would be the "melt" value + whatever premium you can get for it. Normally Iraq stuff hasn't brought much premium but with the war happening many Iraq items have been selling for more than usual.
Ha-ha, i ya tozhe. Back in topic, sorry. It does look like a medallion or something. I'm not sure though. Just happy to see my people over here.
Obverse. Roy,the side of the coin (in this case,a medal) depicting a portrait is the obverse,not the reverse.I am sure that there are some people here who are collecting Saddam Hussein memorabilia,especially coins & banknotes. Aidan.
Hi, new here, this thread brought me here because I was looking for some reliable references to this coin I had as it wasnt listed on the coin directory I use. Thanks to Satootoko I know its 'KM#153, a nickle 1 Dinar commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Iraqi Air Force'. http://www.tribalsoup.com/cache/iraqsad02.jpg BTW, someone is selling this coin for almost 400 dollar on e-bay... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3953581192&ih=018&category=534&ssPageName=STOREROMOBOX:ENDSOON
