Description

Bahrain proclaimed its independence on August 15, 1971, formally severing ties with the British through the signing of a friendship treaty. This move followed a United Nations assessment of the Bahraini populace. The British had announced their intention to withdraw troops from the region east of Suez in the early 1960s.

Despite August 15 being the official date of Bahrain's liberation from British rule, it is not commemorated by the kingdom. Instead, December 16 is celebrated as National Day, coinciding with the accession of the late Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa to the throne. This day is marked as a national holiday and typically features festive events, including firework displays held at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Obverse

Depicts a portrait of Sheikh Isa bin Salman facing left wearing a traditional cloak and headpiece.

The traditional men's headwear in some Middle Eastern areas consists of three components: a knitted skull-cap known as the "keffiyeh," (also referred to as a ghutrah, shemagh, or ḥaṭṭah) a large cotton headscarf, typically plain white or with a red-and-white checkered pattern, called the "ghutra," and a black cord named the "agal," which secures the ghutra in place.

Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (1933–1999) was the 1st emir of Bahrain from 1961 until his death. Born in Jasra, he became emir upon the death of his father, Salman ibn Hamad. During his 38 years as Emir, the economic transformation of Bahrain into a modern nation and a key financial center in the Persian Gulf area took place. Nevertheless, critics note that he also dissolved Parliament, giving absolute power to the royal family.

Engraver: Michael Rizzello

Reverse

Depicts a radiant sun above crowned Bahrain's coat of arms within a wreath of oak surrounded by inscription in Arabic above and English below, a date in Arabic and English on both sides, a state name in Arabic above and English below.

The current coat of arms of Bahrain is a coat of arms that was originally designed in 1932 by Charles Belgrave, the British governor and adviser to the then-Sheik of Bahrain. The design has undergone slight modifications since then, namely in 1971 in 2002 when mantling and the indentations of the chief were modified respectively, but the influence of the original design is still clearly visible in the modern blazon.

ذكرى الاستقلال
البحرين
جمادى الثانية ١٣٩١ AUGUST 1971
BAHRAIN
COMMEMORATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Edge

10 Dinars

State

Bahrain Independence

X# 2 Fr# 2
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.917
Weight 16 g
Diameter 28.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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