50 Qirsh (Piastres)

Libya 50 Qirsh / Piastres (S.P.L.A.J.)

Libya (Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) · 1979 (Islamic Year 1399)

A circular silver-colored coin featuring an ornate wreath around a central square containing the denomination, with wheat ears at its base.

Country: Libya (Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya)
Year: 1979 (Islamic Year 1399)
Denomination: 50 Qirsh (Piastres)
Metal: Copper-Nickel

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified April 18, 2026More libya (socialist people's libyan arab jamahiriya) coins →

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Overview

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.

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).

Estimated value

$0.50 - $2.00 circulated, $5.00 - $12.00 in Mint State / Uncirculated condition

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.

Grade assessment

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.

Mintage & rarity

Common; total mintage is approximately 5,000,000.

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.

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.

Care & preservation

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.