Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 500 Afghanis 1978, KM# 980, Afghanistan, World Wide Fund for Nature, Siberian Crane
  • 500 Afghanis 1978, KM# 980, Afghanistan, World Wide Fund for Nature, Siberian Crane
Description

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is a Swiss-based international non-governmental organization founded in 1961 that works in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment. It was formerly named the World Wildlife Fund, which remains its official name in Canada and the United States. WWF is the world's largest conservation organization, with over five million supporters worldwide, working in more than 100 countries and supporting around 3,000 conservation and environmental projects. They have invested over $1 billion in more than 12,000 conservation initiatives since 1995. WWF is a foundation with 65% of funding from individuals and bequests, 17% from government sources (such as the World Bank, DFID, and USAID) and 8% from corporations in 2020.

Afghanistan is renowned for its diverse wildlife, with many of its larger mammals listed as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Notable among these are the snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, Siberian musk deer, markhor, urial, and Asiatic black bear. Other significant species include the ibex, gray wolf, brown bear, striped hyenas, and various birds of prey. Marco Polo sheep and ibex are primarily poached for food, while wolves, snow leopards, and bears are often killed to prevent damage.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of the Republic of Afghanistan, the country name in English above, the date below.

The emblem of the Republic of Afghanistan (1974-1980) features a stylized eagle spreading its wings. On the eagle's chest was placed a pulpit inscribed in a prayer niche, symbolizing a mosque. A wreath of wheat spikes surrounded the eagle and a rising sun surmounted it. The eagle recalled the legendary bird which placed the crown on the first Aryan King, a shepherd named Yama. The rising sun symbolized the new Republican era. On the scroll between the spikes was written in Pashto (The Republic of Afghanistan) and the date of the proclamation of the Republic according to the Solar Islamic calendar 26 Changash 1352.

The wheat spikes recalled how the Durani tribe got the power in 1747. After the murder of the Persian king Nadir Shah, the leaders of the Pashtun tribes met to decide of the future of the country. During the meeting, a dervish showed up and placed a wreath of wheat on the head of Ahmad Shah, who was immediatly proclaimed King.

REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN
د افغانستان حمهوريت
دچنګاښ ۲٦
۱۳۵۲
1978

Reverse

Depicts a Siberian crane at a lake with grasses surrounded by denominations in Pashto letters above and numerals below.

The Siberian crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) is a strikingly beautiful and critically endangered species of crane found primarily in the wetlands of Siberia. Renowned for its pure white plumage, black wingtips, and long, red bill, the Siberian crane stands out in its natural habitat. These cranes undertake one of the longest migrations of any bird species, traveling from their breeding grounds in Siberia to wintering sites in China and Iran. They prefer shallow wetlands and marshes, where they feed on aquatic plants, small animals, and insects. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect their dwindling population, which faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and environmental changes.

پنځه سوه
۵٠٠
افغانی

Edge

500 Afghanis

Republic
KM# 980 Schön# 99a
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 35 g
Diameter 42 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # KM# 980, KM# 981
Mint
Royal Mint

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