Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 20 Ariary 1978, KM# 14, Madagascar, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • 20 Ariary 1978, KM# 14, Madagascar, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Description

The Democratic Republic of Madagascar was a socialist state that existed on the island of Madagascar from 1975 until 1992.

The name ariary derives from the pre-colonial currency with ariary (from the Spanish word "real") being the name for a silver dollar.

Types of the country motto:
• Motto A: (10 and 20 Ariary of 1978 and 1983 and 5, 10, 20, and 50 Ariary of 1992): TANINDRAZANA TOLOM-PIAVOTANA FAHAFAHANA (Fatherland, Revolution, Freedom)
• Motto B: (5 and 20 Ariary of 1994 and 5 and 50 Ariary of 1996): TANINDRAZANA FAHAFAHANA FAHAMARINANA (Fatherland, Freedom, Justice)
• Motto C: (10 and 20 Ariary of 1999 and 50 Ariary of 2005): TANINDRAZANA FAHAFAHANA FANDROSOANA (Fatherland, Freedom, Progress)
• Motto D (10 and 50 Ariary of 2016): FITIAVANA TANINDRAZANA FANDROSOANA (Love, Fatherland, Progress)

Obverse

Star above value within 3/4 wreath. The country name (Democratic Republic of Madagascar) above. Date below.

REPOBLIKA DEMOKRATIKA MALAGASY
ariary
20
1978

Reverse

Farmer on tractor ploughing field (back) at the centre of a landscape with the rising sun between mountains at the horizon inside a circle, the value on top and motto on the banner (motto A: Fatherland, Revolution, Freedom) below.

Engraver: Michael Hibbit

ARIARY ROAPOLO
TANINDRAZANA
TOLOM-PIAVOTANA
FAHAFAHANA

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel
Weight 12 g
Diameter 30 mm
Thickness 2.05 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Royal Mint

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