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Iraq P-72 HUGE HORSES 25 dinars 1981-1982 XF
Iraq P-72 HUGE HORSES 25 dinars 1981-1982 XF
$1.49
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$1.49
Condition: XF (otherwise UNC but with minor corner folding)
Saddam Hussein: A Glimpse into a Tumultuous Era
The front of this banknote prominently features Saddam Hussein in military uniform. Saddam Hussein (1937-2006) served as Iraq's fifth President from 1979 until his overthrow in 2003. His rule was characterized by a highly centralized and authoritarian government, severe human rights abuses, and a series of conflicts that reshaped the Middle East and involved major global powers, including the United States.
Under his regime, countless political opponents and minority groups, such as the Kurds and Marsh Arabs, faced persecution and violence, including the use of chemical weapons against civilian populations. Key conflicts during his presidency included the devastating Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), which resulted in estimated casualties ranging from half a million to a million, and Iraq's unprovoked invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The latter led directly to the First Gulf War (1991), where a U.S.-led international coalition expelled Iraqi forces. His rule ultimately ended with the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, leading to his capture and subsequent execution in 2006. This war and the ensuing insurgency caused hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilian deaths and thousands of coalition military fatalities, leading to profound destabilization in the region.
Why Collect a Saddam-Era Banknote?
Collecting a banknote featuring Saddam Hussein is often driven by a desire to learn and teach about modern history, including the more somber chapters. Such a note serves as a tangible artifact from a specific, turbulent period in Iraqi and global affairs. For numismatists and history enthusiasts, it provides a direct link to a time when Iraq was a central figure in international politics, entangled in conflicts that profoundly affected millions and involved major world powers, including the United States. It can prompt valuable discussions about the nature of authoritarian rule, geopolitical shifts, and the immense human cost of war and repression that occurred within our lifetimes. This type of collecting emphasizes the historical documentation and "witness to history" aspect, rather than any endorsement of the regime.