Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 5 Pounds 1978, KM# X2, Syria, Re-election of President Hafez al-Assad
  • 5 Pounds 1978, KM# X2, Syria, Re-election of President Hafez al-Assad
Description

Hafez al-Assad (1930–2000) was a Syrian statesman, politician, and general who served as President of Syria from 1971 to 2000. He was also Prime Minister from 1970 to 1971, as well as Regional Secretary of the Regional Command of the Syrian Regional Branch of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party and Secretary General of the National Command of the Ba'ath Party from 1970 to 2000.

Presidential elections were held in Syria on 8 February 1978. There was only one candidate, Hafez al-Assad, with voters asked to approve or reject his candidacy. A reported 99.9% of voters voted in favour, with a turnout of 97%.

Obverse

Syrian coat of arms within a circle, name of country above.

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
الجمهورية العربية اسورية

Reverse

Depicts a head of Hafez al-Assad left within a circle between dates (AD left and AH right) in Arabic digits surrounded by the inscription "Anniversary of the re-election of" above and "President Hafez Al-Assad" below.

ذكرى اعادة انتخاب
١٣٩٨ ١٩٧٨
الرئيس حافظ الاسد

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.900
Weight 40 g
Diameter 35 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Re-election of President Hafez al-Assad

Nickel, 7.5 g, ⌀ 27 mm