Saddam Commemorative Coin/Medal

[Sal]

I picked this up in Baghdad the other day. About 2 inches in diameter, fairly heavy silver coin or table medal. Very well struck, silver content marked on the reverse but hard for me to see with the glass I have.

I have seen these copied extensively but based on the weight and feel as well as detail and quality, I am fairly convinced it's the real thing.

Anyone seen this or knows what it is for or whom it might have been given to? What it might be commemorating or given for?

First one is the obverse

Thanks

Tony

Edited April 30, 2007 by Sal

[Sal]

reverse

[bigjarofwasps]

Nice piece would be interesting to know if it is solid silver or not?

[Sal]

Nice piece would be interesting to know if it is solid silver or not?

From what I can see with my mag glass....looks like it's marked "900" with the letters "IF" underneath. I have a King Faisal II coin as well with the same marking ("IF")

I need to have the reverse translated, might be the answer there

[Paul R]

This is an interesting piece. Maybe Ed has some contacts?

[Ed_Haynes]

Owain, who stops in here "often" can get this translated easily, being in Riyadh. My rudimentary Arabic is not up to the task. Afwan.

This seems not to be a "medal" we we use the term, not a coin, more likely some sort of commemorative "medal", as much beloved in pre-occupation Iraq as it was/is in UN military circles (where do you think they learned the practise?).

[Sal]

Shukraan Ed.....maku mushkela. I am standing by. If I can get my friend at the bazaar to transate it I will post it as well. But you never know if the story they are telling is true....they tell what they think or what they ehard, or whatever sounds sexy to sell something.

i appreciate your help in this.

Tony

[bigjarofwasps]

Look forward to hearing what they have to say!!!

[Sal]

From what I can get loosely translated....it is a commemorative medal of some sort celebrating the Ba'ath Party take over in 1968. Not sure what type criteria or who would be a recipient. Any additional info is of course appreciated

Tony

[Guest IMHF]

Need to try to get you one of these:

[Guest IMHF]

Case:

[Sal]

Way ahead of ya pal....I already have one...i have a few of the same coin but i have only onr of the set...same gold case as well.

Thanks Lorenzo.....take care

Need to try to get you one of these:

[Sal]

Way ahead of ya pal....I already have one...i have a few of the same coin but i have only onr of the set...same gold case as well.

Thanks Lorenzo.....take care

OK....got another one....instead of a new topic I am adding the new coin/medal/commemorative medal here. Case is grey plastic, medal is about 3" diameter and quite heavy. I have seen the local copies of this and they are cast in poor metal and can never me confused with this. ANy ideas what is says or what I was commemorating (besides Saddam himself)? It looks to be something dealing with the Arab States as a whole based on the "map" on the reverse...but not sure. Any insight is appreciated.

[Sal]

Reverse and case

[Guest IMHF]

Tony

Thats is a very beautiful piece Huguinen made coin, the green is still on the Ba'ath Lands awesome.

SSG Luna, Lorenzo

[Guest IMHF]

Reverse and case

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2008/post-1625-1199641308.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2008/post-1625-1199641334.jpg

This is not a coin, but it is medallion or token, issued for celebration of Coupe de Etat 17th July 1968(or what a badly called "Revolution" since was not done by the wish of Iraqi People).On front face: Portrait of saddam & written "The Leader President ,Struggler Saddam Hussein"On reverse at head curve inscribed with the Emblem words of the party " one Arab Nation with an immortal Mission" , and at down curve from right hand towards left hand written " Unity Freedom Socialism Revolution 17/30th July 1968" Unity Freedom & Socialism were the big targets of the Ba'ath Party since its foundation on 7th April 1947, but nothing was carried out from them, only Iraqi people gained Much Blood, Wars and Poverty.See the green colored map of Arab-Homeland, the party aim to make its targets as national targets but failed to do anything.

Edited February 23, 2008 by IMHF

[leigh kitchen]

Owain, who stops in here "often" can get this translated easily, being in Riyadh. My rudimentary Arabic is not up to the task. Afwan.

This seems not to be a "medal" we we use the term, not a coin, more likely some sort of commemorative "medal", as much beloved in pre-occupation Iraq as it was/is in UN military circles (where do you think they learned the practise?).

UN military circles? I have'nt heard of commemorative medals / coins issued by the UN, well the Dag Hammarskold Medal I suppose, but the conditions of award seem a little demanding....... i.e. death.

[moose87]

reverse

I have the same coin, I picked it up in baghdad in 2008 and I was told the same exact story that these were handed out to saddams top people in celebration of the baath party takeover or whatever... really high members got gold, medium got silver and lower got bronze so i was told, I have searched for years and this is the only other one I have come across online. I tried taking mine to a coin and gold/silver dealer and he couldn't tell me anything and wouldn't even weigh it for silver weight.

[Nfuller071180]

I have a coin similar to what Sal has, but on the back of my coin it has the country of Iraq and my coin is copper or copper plated. Any ideas on what it is worth?