Iraq 1 Dinar 1981

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The Iraq 1 Dinar coin from 1981 (AH 1401) is a distinctive, historically rich circulation piece from the Republic of Iraq, notable for its bold geometric shape, symbolic agricultural imagery, and production by the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom. Below is a structured, detailed summary that captures its physical characteristics, design elements, historical context, and collector relevance.

Overview

The 1981 Iraqi 1 Dinar is a nickel, decagonal (10‑sided) circulation coin issued during the Ba'athist era. It represents one of the highest-denomination circulating coins Iraq produced at the time and reflects the country’s emphasis on agricultural prosperity and national identity. 1

Physical Specifications

• Denomination: 1 Dinar

• Year: 1981 (Islamic year 1401)

• Composition: Nickel

• Weight: 13.0 g

• Diameter: 33.0 mm

• Thickness: 2.02 mm

• Shape: Decagonal (10-sided)

• Edge: Reeded

• Mint: Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom

• Orientation: Medal alignment (↑↑)
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These specifications make it one of the more substantial modern Middle Eastern circulation coins, both in size and weight.

Obverse Design

The obverse features:

• The denomination “1 Dinar” centered within a circular border

• Decorative sprigs flanking the value

• Arabic inscription “الجمهورية العراقية” (Republic of Iraq) above
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The design emphasizes national identity and clarity of denomination.

Reverse Design

The reverse depicts:

• A row of palm trees, a national symbol of Iraq and a reference to the country’s historic date‑palm agriculture

• The dual date 1401 / 1981 in Arabic numerals

• A clean, symmetrical layout divided by the palm trunks
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Palm trees were a recurring motif in Iraqi coinage, symbolizing fertility, resilience, and economic heritage.

Historical Context

The coin was issued during the early 1980s, a period marked by:

• The Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988)

• Strong state-driven national symbolism

• Continued modernization of Iraq’s currency system

Despite the wartime economy, Iraq maintained a robust coinage program, often outsourcing minting to the Royal Mint in the UK.

Collector Notes

• Catalog reference: KM #170

• Rarity: Generally common (Numista rarity index: 9)

• Typical market value:

  • Circulated grades: around $1.20

  • Uncirculated: $4–6

  • Exceptional XF examples have sold for higher at auction
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Because of its unusual shape and strong national symbolism, it remains a popular entry-level collectible for Middle Eastern numismatics.

Significance for Collectors

This coin stands out for:

• Its distinctive decagonal shape

• Its large size and weight, unusual for a modern 1‑unit denomination

• Its agricultural symbolism, tying it to Iraq’s cultural identity

• Its production by the Royal Mint, adding international minting interest

It is a great piece for collectors focusing on:

• Middle Eastern coinage

• Geometric or multi‑sided coins

• 20th‑century world circulation coins

• Coins with strong national symbolism