Obverse. Photo © Stack's Bowers Galleries
  • 25 Rials 1981, KM# P1, Yemen, North (Arab Republic), International Year of Disabled Persons
  • 25 Rials 1981, KM# P1, Yemen, North (Arab Republic), International Year of Disabled Persons
Description

A piedfort is an unusually thick coin, often exactly twice the normal weight and thickness of other coins of the same diameter and pattern. Piedforts are not normally circulated, and are only struck for presentation purposes by mint officials (such as patterns), or for collectors, dignitaries, and other VIPs.

In 1981, the UN declared the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP) to promote equal opportunities and disability prevention. The IYDP led to the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons and the International Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1993). December 3 became the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1992.

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) surrounded by the inscription "Central Bank of Yemen" in Arabic above and dates below.

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.

البنك المركزي اليمني
الجمهورية العربية اليمنية
١٤٠١ - ١٩٨١

Reverse

Depicts a portrait of a Yemeni writer Abdullah Al-Baradouni facing right encircled by the inscription above and denomination below.

Abdullah Al-Baradouni (1929–1999) was a prominent Yemeni writer, poet, and critic. He authored 12 volumes of poetry and an additional six books covering various subjects such as politics, folklore, and literature. Al-Baradouni is widely regarded as Yemen's most renowned poet.

- INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS -
٢٥
ريالاً

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 56.56 g
Diameter -
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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