Obverse. Photo © MA-Shops
  • 250 Shillings 2002, Somalia, Rome 1960 Summer Olympics
  • 250 Shillings 2002, Somalia, Rome 1960 Summer Olympics
Description

The 1960 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVII Olympiad or Rome 1960, took place in Rome, Italy, from August 25 to September 11. Rome had initially been chosen for the 1908 Summer Olympics, but due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1906, the city had to decline, leading to London hosting instead. The Soviet Union emerged as the top-performing nation, securing the most gold and overall medals at the 1960 Games. Concurrently, the 1st Paralympic Games were held in Rome, marking the first instance of these events coinciding with the Summer Olympics.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Somalia, surrounded by the country name in English and denomination below in English, 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.

REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA
20 02
250 SHILLINGS

Reverse

Depicts an athlete running in front of the Colosseum, inscription above, place and date below.

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, stands as an oval amphitheatre in the heart of Rome, Italy. Constructed with concrete and sand, it holds the distinction of being the largest amphitheatre ever built. Positioned just east of the Roman Forum, its construction commenced under Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and concluded in AD 80 under his successor Titus. Additional modifications were carried out during the reign of Domitian (81–96). Referred to as the Flavian dynasty, these emperors gave the amphitheatre its Latin name, Flavius. With an estimated capacity of 50,000 to 80,000 spectators and an average audience of around 65,000, the Colosseum hosted gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles (briefly), animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of battles, and mythological dramas. While it ceased entertainment use in the early medieval era, the Colosseum found subsequent purposes as housing, workshops, a religious order's quarters, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.

OLYMPIC GAMES
ROME 1960

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 19.9 g
Diameter 38.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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