Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 500 Shillings 1970, KM# 23, Somalia, 10th Anniversary of Independence
  • 500 Shillings 1970, KM# 23, Somalia, 10th Anniversary of Independence
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

Depicts the coat of arms of Somalia, surrounded by the 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

Depicts the new parliament building of Somalia with more flags in front of the map of Somalia, denomination above in Arabic below on the right, English, and Italian above on the left. The mint mark on the right.

The Somalia Federal Parliament, also known as Golaha Shacabka Soomaaliya, is the country's national legislative body. Established in August 2012, it is located in the capital, Mogadishu, and follows a bicameral structure, comprising an Upper House (Senate) and a Lower House (House of the People).

شلن صومالي ٥٠٠
SCELLINI 500 SCILLINGS
NI

Edge

500 Shillings (Scellini)

Democratic Republic
KM# 23 Schön# 20 Fr# 6
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.900
Weight 70 g
Diameter 50 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS)

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