Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 25 Rupees 1993, KM# 67, Seychelles, 1994 Football (Soccer) World Cup in the United States
  • 25 Rupees 1993, KM# 67, Seychelles, 1994 Football (Soccer) World Cup in the United States
Description

The 1994 FIFA World Cup was the 15th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national soccer teams. It was hosted by the United States and took place from June 17 to July 17, 1994, at nine venues across the country. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988. Despite soccer's relative lack of popularity in the host nation, the tournament was the most financially successful in World Cup history. It broke tournament records with overall attendance of 3,587,538 and an average of 68,991 per game, marks that stood unsurpassed as of 2018 despite the expansion of the competition from 24 to 32 teams starting with the 1998 World Cup.

Brazil were crowned the winners after defeating Italy 3–2 in a penalty shoot-out at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California near Los Angeles, after the game had ended 0–0 after extra time. It was the first World Cup final to be decided on penalties. The victory made Brazil the first nation to win four World Cup titles. There were three new entrants in the tournament: Greece, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia; Russia also appeared as a separate nation for the first time, following the breakup of the Soviet Union, and for the first time since 1938, a unified Germany took part in the tournament. They were also defending champions, but were eliminated in quarter-finals by Bulgaria. It was the first World Cup where three points were awarded for a victory instead of two and also the first with the back-pass rule. This was done to encourage a more attacking style of soccer after the defensive tactics and low-scoring matches of the 1990 World Cup. This resulted in an average of 2.71 goals per match.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Seychelles, country name above, date below.

The coat of arms of the Republic of Seychelles shows a shield, in which a giant tortoise is located on grounds. On the ground there is a coco de mer palm tree. Behind it there is a sea with two islands and a sail ship to be seen. The shield is enthroned by a helmet, on which a white-tailed tropicbird is located above waves. The shield is supported by two white sailfish. Beneath the shield the motto of Seychelles is stated: "Finis Coronat Opus" (Latin for "The End Crowns the Work").

REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
FINIS·CORONAT·OPVS
. 1993 .

Reverse

Depicts a soccer player playing bicycle kick and the other player on the other side of the field watching the ball, with an inscription with the date above and value below.

A bicycle kick, also known as an overhead or scissors kick, is an acrobatic move in football where a player kicks an airborne ball backward in midair. This complex and celebrated skill involves the player throwing their body backward, making a shearing motion with the legs to strike the ball. Often used to clear the ball defensively or to attempt a goal, the bicycle kick is challenging and typically performed by highly experienced players. Originating from Pacific seaports in Chile and Peru in the late 19th century, it was popularized by Brazilian players like Leônidas and Pelé. The move is iconic in football culture, frequently drawing media attention and featuring in art, films, and advertisements.

WORLD CUP 1994
25 RUPEES

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.46 g
Diameter 38.6 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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