Libya 50 Qirsh / Piastres (S.P.L.A.J.)
Country of Origin: Libya (Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya)
Year of Issue: 1979 (Islamic Year 1399)
Denomination: 50 Qirsh (Piastres)
Composition: Copper-Nickel
Brief Description
A circular silver-colored coin featuring an ornate wreath around a central square containing the denomination, with wheat ears at its base.
Historical Significance
Issued during the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya era under the rule of Muammar Gaddafi. This period saw a significant transition in Libyan coinage design moving away from monarchical symbols to revolutionary/socialist iconography.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 circulated, $5.00 - $12.00 in Mint State / Uncirculated condition
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish the coin, as this can destroy its numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic holder or acid-free paper flip to prevent oxidation and environmental damage.
Mint Mark
None (Produced by the Royal Mint in the UK or other international mints)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; total mintage is approximately 5,000,000.
Weight & Diameter
7.90g weight, 27.0mm diameter
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine (XF). The details in the wreath and text are sharp, though there is minor surface wear and some toning/discoloration consistent with handling.
Obverse (Front)
Features a central square frame with the denomination '50 Qirsh' in Arabic characters inside. The frame is surrounded by an intricate floral/vine wreath, with the state title 'Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya' in Arabic script above and wheat ears at the bottom.
Reverse (Back)
The reverse typically features a depiction of a Libyan horseman (knight) or common state emblems used in the 1979 series. (Only one side is visible in the provided image).
What Drives This Coin's Value
Most influenced by the condition (uncirculated surfaces carry higher premiums). This is a common date, so value is largely flat across average circulated grades.
Similar Coins
1975 50-Dirham coins of Libya, which are smaller and from a different political series, and other Arab nations' 50-Piastre coins (like Egypt or Jordan), which can be distinguished by the specific country name in the calligraphy.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for magnetic properties (copper-nickel is non-magnetic); verify weight and diameter against standard specs. Counterfeits of this specific circulating coin are very rare due to its low market value.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Standard striking; no major widely recognized die varieties for this specific year.
Created At: 2026-04-18T15:11:09.117947