Somalia 20 Shillings 1970

History

20 Shillings 1970, KM# 16, Somalia, 10th Anniversary of Independence

Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions

Description

The Somali Democratic Republic (Somali: Jamhuuriyadda Dimuqraadiya Soomaaliyeed) was the name that the socialist military government gave to Somalia under President Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, after seizing power in a coup d'état on 21 October 1969. The coup came a few days after a bodyguard assassinated Abdirashid Shermarke, the nation's second President. Barre's administration ruled Somalia for the next 21 years until Somalia collapsed into civil war in 1991.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Leopard Coat of arms Somalia Military Spear Depicts the coat of arms of Somalia, surrounded by country name in Italian and Arabic above, with bilingual Arabic-Italian inscription "10th Anniversary of Independence" below with the date on both sides. The coat of arms of Somalia, adopted on October 10, 1956, features a shield embellished with the Somali flag, accompanied by two Leopards standing atop crossed spears. Positioned at the center of the flag is the Star of Unity, and a crown adorns the top of the shield. Completing the emblem are crossed spears underneath, entwined with a ribbon. REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA SOMALA الجمهورية الديمقراطية الصومالية 1960 1970 الذكرى العاشرة للاستقلال X ANNIVERSARIO INDIDENDENZA
Reverse	Geography & astronomy Solar System Depicts orbits of the Solar System, denomination above in Arabic right, English and Italian above. Mint mark below. شلن صومالي٢٠ SCELLINI 20 SHILLINGS u.285 NI
Edge	Reeded (milled)

20 Shillings (Scellini)

Democratic Republic

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1970 Somalia

10th Anniversary of Independence

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KM# 16

Characteristics

Type	Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material	Gold
Fineness	0.900
Weight	2.8 g
Diameter	18 mm
Thickness	-
Shape	round
Alignment	Coin
Mint	Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS)