Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 500 Afghanis 1996, KM# 1027, Afghanistan, 1998 Football (Soccer) World Cup in France
  • 500 Afghanis 1996, KM# 1027, Afghanistan, 1998 Football (Soccer) World Cup in France
Description

The 1998 FIFA World Cup, hosted in France, marked a monumental milestone in football history. Paris, as one of the host cities, held a pivotal role in this prestigious tournament.

Running from June 10 to July 12, 1998, it was the 16th edition of the World Cup, featuring matches across various French cities and culminating in the final at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a Parisian suburb. Thirty-two teams from around the globe vied for football supremacy, with the tournament delivering unforgettable moments, from spectacular goals to gripping matches and surprising upsets.

A defining highlight unfolded during the final match between Brazil and France in Paris. Led by captain Didier Deschamps and star player Zinedine Zidane, the French team showcased an exceptional performance, securing a 3-0 victory over Brazil to clinch their inaugural World Cup title. This historic win ignited jubilant celebrations throughout France, as millions of fans flooded the streets of Paris to revel in their team's triumph.

The Islamic State of Afghanistan was established by the Peshawar Accords on April 26, 1992, with the participation of many Afghan mujahideen parties after the fall of the socialist government. However, its power was limited due to the country's second civil war, which the Taliban won, capturing Kabul in 1996. Consequently, the Islamic State became a government in exile and led the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance. It remained the internationally recognized government of Afghanistan at the United Nations until 2001. After the overthrow of the first Taliban government, the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan was created, and an Afghan Interim Administration took control with US and NATO assistance. This transitional state later became the Islamic Republic, which lasted until the Taliban regained power in 2021 following a prolonged insurgency.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of the Islamic State of Afghanistan within two crossed swords the country name above and the denomination below in English.

The Emblem of the Islamic State of Afghanistan (1992-1996) features the shahada inscription in Arabic at the top. Below this is an image of a mosque with a mihrab and minbar (pulpit). On either side of the mosque are two flags representing Afghanistan, surrounded by wheat sheaves. Beneath the mosque, there is an inscription stating the name of the nation, and below that, the Hijri year 1371 (corresponding to 1992 in the Gregorian calendar), marking the establishment of the Islamic State of Afghanistan.

ISLAMIC STATE OF AFGHANISTAN
لا اله الا الله محمد رسول الله
الله اكبر
۱۳٧۱
د افغانستان اسلامي دولت
500
AFGHANIS

Reverse

Depicts players aiming to shoot the ball and the goalkeeper trying to prevent the shooting, country name and date between players and inscription below.

1996
FRANCE
1998
XVI WORLD CUP

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 20 g
Diameter 38 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin

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