Obverse. Photo © acsaerch.info
  • 10 Fils 1982, KM# 160, Iraq, Restoration of Babel, Ishtar Gate
  • 10 Fils 1982, KM# 160, Iraq, Restoration of Babel, Ishtar Gate
Description

On 14 February 1978, the Ba'athist government of Iraq under Saddam Hussein began the "Archaeological Restoration of Babylon Project": reconstructing features of the ancient city atop its ruins. These features included the Southern Palace of Nebuchadnezzar, with 250 rooms, five courtyards, and a 30-meter entrance arch. The project also reinforced the Processional Way, the Lion of Babylon, and an amphitheatre constructed in the city's Hellenistic era. In 1982, the government minted a set of seven coins displaying iconic features of Babylon.

Obverse

Depicted a panoramic view of Ishtar Gate surrounded by trees dividing dates in Western and in Arabic years both in Arabic numerals.

The Ishtar Gate was the eighth gate to the inner city of Babylon (in the area of present-day Hillah, Babil Governorate, Iraq). It was constructed circa 575 BCE by order of King Nebuchadnezzar II on the north side of the city. It was part of a grand walled processional way leading into the city.

The original structure was a double gate with a smaller frontal gate and a larger and more grandiose secondary posterior section. The walls were finished in glazed bricks mostly in blue, with animals and deities (also made up of coloured bricks) in low relief at intervals. The gate was 50 feet (15 meters) high, and the original foundations extended another 45 feet (14 meters) underground.

German archaeologist Robert Koldewey led the excavation of the site from 1904 to 1914. After the end of the First World War in 1918, the smaller frontal gate was reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. Other panels from the facade of the gate are located in many other museums around the world, including various European countries and the United States.

١٤٠٢هـ ١٩٨٢م

Reverse

Value in Arabic in a central circle with lettering, the country name above. The inscription "The restoration of Babel, a public and national responsibility" below.

الجمهورية العراقية
١٠
فلوس
أحياء بابل أثريا واجب وطني و قومي و انساني

Edge

10 Fils

KM# 160 Schön# 67
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Stainless Steel
Weight 5.75 g
Diameter 26 mm
Thickness -
Shape wavy (scallop, sun-shaped)
Notches 12
Alignment Medal
Alt # KM# 160a
Mint
Royal Mint

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