Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 500 Afghanis 1986, KM# 1003, Afghanistan, 100th Anniversary of the Automobile, Ferrari Testarossa
  • 500 Afghanis 1986, KM# 1003, Afghanistan, 100th Anniversary of the Automobile, Ferrari Testarossa
Description

On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz filed a patent application for his "vehicle powered by a gas engine." This patent, numbered 37435, is considered the automobile's birth certificate. In July 1886, newspapers reported the first public appearance of the three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car, model no. 1.

The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (DRA), later renamed the Republic of Afghanistan in 1987, was the official name of Afghanistan during the one-party rule of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) from 1978 to 1992. Throughout its existence, and particularly during the Soviet–Afghan War, the DRA depended significantly on support from the Soviet Union.

Obverse

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

The emblem of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (1980-1987) features a rising sun positioned over a mihrab. It incorporates communist symbols such as the star, wheel, and Karl Marx's book 'Das Kapital'. Surrounding the emblem, a wreath of ears of grain is intertwined with the national flag, symbolizing unity and prosperity.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN
500
AFGHANIS

Reverse

Depicts a Ferrari Testarossa automobile, inscription above and dates below.

The Ferrari Testarossa (Type F110) is a mid-engine sports car with a 12-cylinder engine, produced by Ferrari from 1984 to 1991. Designed by Pininfarina, it succeeded the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. Notable for its distinctive styling and cultural impact, the Testarossa had two subsequent models: the 512 TR and F512 M, produced until 1996. With nearly 10,000 units made, it was one of Ferrari's most mass-produced models. The Testarossa became an icon of the 1980s, featured prominently in media like "Miami Vice" and the video game "Out Run."

100 YEARS OF AUTOMOBILE
1886-1986

Edge

500 Afghanis

Democratic Republic
KM# 1003 Schön# 113
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 12 g
Diameter 30 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin

Related coins

Republic, Siberian Crane

World Wide Fund for Nature

Silver, 35 g, ⌀ 42 mm
Democratic Republic, World Food Day

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Silver, 9.06 g, ⌀ 27 mm
Democratic Republic, Ice Dance

Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics

Silver, 12 g, ⌀ 30 mm