Catalog
| Issuer | Turkmenistan |
|---|---|
| Year | 1993 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 20 Teňňe (0.20 TMM) |
| Currency | Manat (1993-2009) |
| Composition | Nickel plated steel |
| Weight | 3.6 g |
| Diameter | 20.9 mm |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | 31 December 2009 |
| Reference(s) | KM#4, Schön#5 |
| Obverse description | The left profile of President Saparmurat Niyazov (1991-2006). |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
TÜRKMENISTANYÑ PREZIDENTI SAPARMYRAT NYҰAZOW (Translation: Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov) |
| Reverse description | Value within ornate circle |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
TÜRKMENISTANYÑ TEÑÑESI 20 1993 (Translation: Turkmenistan tenge) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1993 - Royal Mint, UK - 50 000 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 6765795570 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1993 Turkmenistan 20 Teňňe coin marks a pivotal moment following the nation's independence from the Soviet Union in October 1991. Issued under President Saparmurat Niyazov, who established a cult of personality as Turkmenbashi, this coin represents a foundational step in Turkmenistan's economic sovereignty. Part of the inaugural Manat and Teňňe currency series, it replaced the Russian Ruble and cemented the new state's identity.
Artistry: The design, likely by anonymous state mint engravers, reflects a post-Soviet nationalistic stylistic school. The obverse features "20 Teňňe" framed by a wreath of stylized wheat ears, with "1993" below, symbolizing agricultural prosperity. The reverse proudly displays the national emblem: a five-petal octagonal star (Rub el Hizb) containing a central disc with a majestic Akhal-Teke horse, a revered national symbol, encircled by five traditional carpet guls. "TÜRKMENISTAN" arches above.
Technical/Grading: Struck on nickel plated steel, measuring 20.9 mm and weighing 3.6 grams, this coin typically exhibits a robust strike. Key high-points for assessing wear and strike quality include the central numerals and wheat ear tips on the obverse. On the reverse, critical areas are the intricate details of the Akhal-Teke horse's mane and musculature, and the fine patterns within the carpet guls. A well-struck example shows sharp definition, particularly the delicate lines of the guls and the horse's features, often susceptible to weakness on lesser strikes.