50 Manat Akhal-Teke horse

The Akhal-Teke is one of the oldest surviving horse breeds on earth, originating on the Karakum Desert steppes and documented in Chinese records as far back as the 2nd century BC. Turkmenistan's relationship with the breed is not merely cultural ornament — the horse appears on the national emblem and is legally protected under a presidential decree that prohibits its export without government authorization.

This 2013 gold issue is part of a broader numismatic program launched by the Central Bank to promote national symbols internationally, largely targeting collector markets in Europe and Asia. Mintages for this series have been extremely small.