Obverse. Photo © CoinArchives
  • 50 Fils 1974, Y# 41, Yemen, North (Arab Republic), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • 50 Fils 1974, Y# 41, Yemen, North (Arab Republic), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Description

The Yemen Arab Republic (YAR), also known simply as North Yemen or Yemen (Sanaʽa), was a country from 1962 to 1990 in the northwestern part of what is now Yemen. Its capital was at Sanaʽa. It united with the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (commonly known as South Yemen) on May 22, 1990 to form the current Republic of Yemen.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of the Yemen Arab Republic (1974–1990). Arabic inscription "Raise the food production" above.

The national emblem of Yemen depicts the Hawk of Quraish with a scroll between its claws. On the scroll is written the name of the country (Yemen Arab Republic) in Arabic. The chest of the eagle contains a shield that depicts a coffee plant and the Marib Dam, with seven blue wavy stripes below. The flagstaffs on the right and left of the eagle hold the flag of Yemen.

The Hawk of Quraish is a symbol which is found on a number of emblems, coat of arms and flags of several states of the Arab world. The Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula, today especially those from the Persian Gulf coast, are traditionally falconry experts; falcons (and hawks) are seen as status symbols and one of the Arabs' favourite animals. Also the traditions and recorded history about the Quraysh and Muhammad claim a falcon had been used as clan symbol. Therefore, several variants of the Quraishi hawk were and are seen in the flags, coat of arms, seals and emblems of several Arab states until today. In that meaning, the Hawk of Quraish is a rival to the so-called Eagle of Saladin.

لزيادة انتاج المحاصيل الغذائية
الجمهورية العربية اليمنية

Reverse

Denomination within a circle surrounded by the inscription "Central Bank of Yemen" in Arabic above and dates below.

البنك المركزي اليمني
٥٠
فلسا
١٣٩٤-١٩٧٤

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 5.3 g
Diameter 24 mm
Thickness 1 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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