Afghanistan Coins
Collectible coins are not necessarily antique or rare. Circulated coins are those that have been or currently are in circulation as legal currency. Otherwise, they may have never gone into circulation, which means their mintage has never been for use as currency. Uncirculated coins often have a higher dollar value. In contrast, circulated coins generally cost only their original face value. Rare circulated ones are a little more. Nonetheless, coins are interesting subjects to collect regardless of their pricing.
Why are Afghanistan Coins of Interest to Collectors?
Afghanistans coins have several types of attribute that make them interesting.
- Afghan coins are beautiful collectibles, with their intricate swirling designs and pictures. In addition, many of the older ones are odd irregular shapes.
- They are stories of the countrys fluctuating history. There have been many changes of government, internal and international relationships, and conflicts like civil wars. For example, the rupee first entered circulation in the 16th century under Sher Shah Suri to mark his rule in Northern India.
- Different metals have gone into Afghan currency in different eras. Before 1891, Afghanistan used three main metals: silver for the rupee, copper for the falus, and gold for the mohur. They used the Afghan rupee from the 16th century to 1925. In 1925, the silver Afghani coins replaced the rupee as standard currency. Other metals to enter circulation are bronze, brass, aluminum, and steel, as well as various alloys like copper-nickel.
What Other Afghanistan Coins are There?
Other coins of interest to collectors are commemorative coins, ancient coins, and matched sets.
- Commemorative or decorative coins are for collectors. They are often uncirculated coins. Commemorative coins may depict achievements by the society or a person, such as a leader or hero. For example, the 1831 rupee minted to mark the Sikh rule of Peshawar. They may honor major sporting events like the 1986 Calgary Winter Olympics on the silver 500 afghanis. Iconic animals or plants can be the subjects. Afghanistan examples include the conservation efforts for endangered Marco Polo Sheep and Siberian cranes.
- Other coin types, some ancient, are the pul, sanar, abbasi, qiran, paisa, ashrafi, toman, tilla, and gram, covering all the types of metals and historical eras.
- You can obtain coins in sets showing various denominations of a particular type of coin. An example is a set of 1, 2 and 5 Afghanis in their different metals.
What Else Should One Consider When Collecting Coins?
- Rare coins are always desirable, such as the 1920 Islamic 3 Shahi.
- Mint and date sometimes do not show clearly. Expect clear coins to have higher value.
- You can learn more about world coins and coin collecting in catalogues. An example of a well-used system is the the Krause Mishler numbers (KM).
- Examine coins for signs of wear (scratches or worn-down features) that indicate its been in circulation.