Obverse. KM# 1008.2: small letters. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 500 Afghanis 1989, KM# 1008, Afghanistan, Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics, Bobsleigh, KM# 1008.2: small letters
  • 500 Afghanis 1989, KM# 1008, Afghanistan, Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics, Bobsleigh
  • 500 Afghanis 1989, KM# 1008, Afghanistan, Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics, Bobsleigh, KM# 1008.1: large letters
Description

The 1992 Winter Olympics, also known as Albertville '92, occurred from February 8 to 23 in and around Albertville, France. It marked the last time the Winter and Summer Olympics were held in the same year. The games featured 18 events in Albertville and 39 events spread across nine nearby villages and resorts in Savoie. Sixty-four National Olympic Committees and 1,801 athletes participated, including the Unified Team and Germany. New events such as short track speed skating and freestyle skiing were introduced, alongside the debut of eight nations in the Winter Olympics. These Olympics also included demonstration sports like curling and ski ballet, and notably, featured the final outdoor speed skating rink.

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 the four-man bobsleigh team in a bobsled run through an ice track, the inscription on both sides with the date below right.

Bobsleigh is a Winter Olympic event where teams of two or four race a specially designed sled down an ice track, aiming for the fastest time. It debuted at the 1924 Winter Games in Chamonix, France, and has been featured in every Winter Olympics except the 1960 Squaw Valley Games, where a track was not built to save costs. The four-man competition has been a staple, with a five-man event held in 1928. The two-man event was added in 1932 at Lake Placid, and the two-woman event debuted at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

XVI WINTER
OLYMPIC GAMES
ALBERTVILLE
1992

Edge

500 Afghanis

Democratic Republic
KM# 1008 Schön# 121
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 16 g
Diameter 38 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# 1008.1, KM# 1008.2

Related coins

Third Republic

Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics

Silver, 28 g, ⌀ 40 mm