Catalog
| Issuer | Eritrea |
|---|---|
| Year | 1993 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | 50 Dollars |
| Currency | Dollar (1993-1997) |
| Composition | Gold (.999) |
| Weight | 3.11 g |
| Diameter | 17.95 mm |
| Thickness | 3.1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | 1 January 1997 |
| Reference(s) | KM#8, Schön#8 |
| Obverse description | Palm, camel and a dhow on the sea, in circle. Legend in Tigrinya, English and Arabic around the toothed rim. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Arabic, Ge`ez, Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
ኤርትሪያ ★★★ ERITREA ★★★ الارتري ★★★ 1993 PM (Translation: Eritrea) |
| Reverse description | Stylized plant in laurel wreath surrounded by circle. Legend in Tigrinya, English and Arabic around the toothed rim. |
| Reverse script | Arabic, Ge`ez, Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
• መዓልቲነዳነት • INDEPENDENCE DAY • يوم الاستقلال • Au. $ 50 999.9 24th MAY 1993 (Translation: Independence Day.) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
(PM) Pobjoy Mint, Surrey, United Kingdom (1965-2023) |
| Mintage |
1993 PM - Proof - 20 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 2344899650 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1993 Eritrea 50 Dollars Independence gold coin commemorates the nation's de jure independence on May 24, 1993, following a UN-supervised referendum. This pivotal event marked the culmination of a thirty-year war for liberation from Ethiopia, establishing the State of Eritrea under its first president, Issaias Afwerki. This issue symbolizes the birth of a sovereign nation, a tangible testament to the Eritrean people's struggle and triumph.
Artistry: The coin's design, likely by an unattributed artist, embodies a modern commemorative style deeply rooted in national symbolism. The obverse features the Eritrean coat of arms—a dromedary camel symbolizing resilience—encircled by a laurel wreath, with "STATE OF ERITREA" and "1993". The reverse powerfully depicts freedom fighters, often interpreted as a mother and child, representing the struggle, sacrifice, and the nation's hopeful future, alongside "50 DOLLARS INDEPENDENCE".
Technical/Grading: Struck in .999 fine gold, this petite issue (3.11 grams, 17.95 mm) typically exhibits a high-quality proof strike. Key high-points for examination include the camel's head and wreath on the obverse. On the reverse, critical areas are the facial features of the figures and the intricate folds of their garments. A premium example will display fully frosted devices against deeply mirrored fields, with complete strike definition even in the smallest elements.