Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 2 Qirsh 1980, KM# 500, Egypt
  • 2 Qirsh 1980, KM# 500, Egypt
Description

The Federation of Arab Republics (Arabic: اتحاد الجمهوريات العربية‎ Ittiḥād al-Jumhūrīyāt al-‘Arabīyah) was an attempt by Muammar Gaddafi to merge Libya, Egypt and Syria in order to create a United Arab state. Although approved by a referendum in each country on 1 September 1971, the three countries disagreed on the specific terms of the merger. The federation lasted from 1 January 1972 to 19 November 1977.

Obverse

Coat of arms of Egypt within the Federation of Arab Republics, and during the seven years after the Federation's dissolution (1972–1984), name of country "Arab Republic of Egypt" below.

The coat of arms of the Federation of Arab Republics consist of the Hawk of Quraish supporting a shield bearing a scroll of the words "Federation of Arab Republics" in Arabic. The Hawk of Quraish is a symbol which is found on a number of emblems, coat of arms and flags of several states of the Arab world. The Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula, today especially those from the Persian Gulf coast, are traditionally falconry experts; falcons (and hawks) are seen as status symbols and one of the Arabs' favourite animals. Also the traditions and recorded history about the Quraysh and Muhammad claim a falcon had been used as clan symbol. Therefore, several variants of the Quraishi hawk were and are seen in the flags, coat of arms, seals and emblems of several Arab states until today. In that meaning, the Hawk of Quraish is a rival to the so-called Eagle of Saladin.

إتحاد الجمهوريات العربية
جمهورية مصر العربية

Reverse

Denomination divides dates (Gregorian and Hegira), legend "Arab Republic of Egypt" above.

جمهورية مصر العربية
قرشان
٢
١٤٠٠ ١٩٨٠

Edge

2 Qirsh (Piastres)

Federation of Arab Republics
KM# 500 Schön# 229
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Characteristics
Material Aluminium Bronze
Weight 4.9 g
Diameter 23 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Cairo Mint

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