Obverse. Photo © baron_muenzhausen
  • 5 Pounds 2003, KM# 129, Syria
  • 5 Pounds 2003, KM# 129, Syria
Obverse

Syrian coat of arms within pentagon, date (AD left and AH right) in Arabic digits below.

The coat of arms of the Syrian Arab Republic consists of the Hawk of Quraish supporting a shield bearing the national flag of Syria (in vertical form), and a scroll of the words "Syrian Arab Republic" 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.

الجمهورية العربية السورية
١٤٢٤ھ - ٢٠٠٣م

Reverse

Citadel of Aleppo within pentagon, value below, country name above. On the right is a circle hologram showing either a 5 numeral or CBS lettering depending on the angle it is viewed from.

The Citadel of Aleppo is a large medieval fortified palace in the centre of the old city of Aleppo, northern Syria. It is considered to be one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. Usage of the Citadel hill dates back at least to the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. Subsequently occupied by many civilizations including the Greeks, Byzantines, Ayyubids and Mamluks, the majority of the construction as it stands today is thought to originate from the Ayyubid period. An extensive conservation work took place in the 2000s by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in collaboration with Aleppo Archeological Society. Dominating the city, the Citadel is part of the Ancient City of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

الجمهورية العربية السورية
٥
خمس ليرات سورية

Edge

CENTRAL BANK 5 SYP

5 Pounds (Liras)

With hologram
KM# 129 Schön# 63
Characteristics
Material Nickel Clad Steel
Weight 7.53 g
Diameter 24.5 mm
Thickness 2.3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Cupronickel, 5.01 g, ⌀ 24.4 mm