Obverse. Photo © Stephan Album Rare Coins
  • 1/2 Rupee 1919, KM# 866, Afghanistan, Amanullah Khan
  • 1/2 Rupee 1919, KM# 866, Afghanistan, Amanullah Khan
Description

Ghazi Amanullah Khan (1892–1960) was the ruler of Afghanistan from 1919 to 1929, initially as Emir and later as King. Following the conclusion of the Third Anglo-Afghan War in August 1919, Afghanistan declared its independence and pursued a foreign policy free from British influence.

Amanullah Khan's reign was characterized by significant political and social reforms aimed at modernizing Afghanistan along Western lines. However, these efforts were disrupted by an uprising led by Habibullah Kalakani. On 14 January 1929, Amanullah abdicated and fled to British India as the Afghan Civil War intensified. He later moved to Europe, spending 30 years in exile before passing away in Zürich, Switzerland, on 26 April 1960. His remains were returned to Afghanistan and interred in Jalalabad, near the tomb of his father, Habibullah Khan.

Obverse

Depicts the emblem of the Emirate of Afghanistan, denomination in Persian letters above.

The Afghan Emblem features a mosque with a mihrab and minbar (pulpit) at its center with cross swords below. Flanking the mosque are two flags, topped with a royal shako. The mosque is encircled by rays forming eight points, inspired by 19th-century Ottoman Imperial standards, symbolizing Afghanistan's flags surrounded by wheat sheaves with ribbon below.

نیم روپیه

Reverse

Depicts Amanullah Khan's name, Amir of Afghanistan with Al-Ghazi (Conqueror) above, the date of accession in Lunar Hijri below surrounded by a wreath with ribbon below.

الغازي
امير امان الله
١٣٣٧

Edge

1/2 Rupee

Emirate, Al-Ghazi (Conqueror)
KM# 866
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.900
Weight 4.65 g
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Kabul Mint

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