Iraq P-73 SADDAM, THE GREEN NOTE 25 Dinars 1986 circulated VF+
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You will receive this 25 Dinar banknote (Pick #73) from Iraq, issued in 1986 in circulated condition generally with minor wear at the corners and some minor folding. This note features an intricate design with dominant colors of brown, green, and black, set against a blue and multicolor underprint.
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.
Symbolism on the Note
Beyond Hussein's portrait, the note is rich with national and historical symbolism:
- The front also features a scene referencing the Battle of Al-Qadisiyyah. This ancient 7th-century battle was a decisive victory for the Muslim Arab army against the Sasanian Persian Empire, heavily promoted during Saddam Hussein's rule as a symbol of Arab strength and Iraqi military prowess.
- The reverse side presents an intricate design that includes an ancient city gate. This likely symbolizes Iraq's deep historical roots as the "Cradle of Civilization," referencing the ancient Mesopotamian empires. While not explicitly a ziggurat, it evokes the grandeur of early urban centers in the region.
- A powerful lion is also depicted, a prominent symbol throughout Mesopotamian and Middle Eastern history representing strength, royalty, and courage, frequently found in ancient art from Babylon and Assyria.
- The distinctive al-Shaheed Monument (also known as the Martyr’s Memorial) in Baghdad is a key feature. Completed in 1983, this iconic monument with its massive, split turquoise domes and eternal flame honors Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq War, symbolizing sacrifice and national resilience.
- Lush palm fronds adorn the reverse, representing fertility, sustenance, and prosperity, deeply embedded in Iraq's landscape and cultural traditions.
This 1986 25 Dinar note is a compelling piece of numismatic history, offering a tangible glimpse into Iraq's complex past and its enduring cultural symbols.
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Who is World Money Store?
World Money Store is me, Βrian Grοss, the sole proprietor of this small business, based in Washington D.C. I've spend half my adult life in The Netherlands and Mexico and have an addiction to travel, history and languages (Spanish, Dutch Russian and a few others); Arabic my current challenge. My personal instagram is @df2dc.
I've been on ebay for 22 years, and I am also on Whatnot. I put together the website myself, and do all the purchasing.
I travel around the world to personally select a range of banknotes that I KNOW match the interests of my customers, and by traveling to the right places, I get them at the best prices, too.
I have three main groups of customers:
1. the ones who love diverse colorful and affordable notes from around the world
2. those who love to own pieces of the propaganda of communist dictatorships (Cuba, North Korea) and "bad guys" like the Ayatollah, Saddam, Gadaffi. Iran (Shah, Ayatollah), Syria (Assad, current).
3. those who seek Venezuelan and Iranian currency. We sell banknotes for collecting purposes only (our intention).
I happen to have a lot of depth and breadth in Mexico and Brazil, in addition to Cuba and Iran.
I don't focus on anything from the U.S. and Canada, items from before World War II, "lucky" serial numbers, or PMG-graded items.
Buy with Confidence
- You will receive (a) banknote(s) similar to the one in the picture, in the condition mentioned in the listing title such as UNC, VF, etc. See below for definitions.
- Serial numbers will vary
- Authenticity: All banknotes are guaranteed genuine currency, sourced from reliable suppliers and verified by our team. Exception: some souvenir and gold foil notes that are clearly marked as souvenir, fantasy, gold foil, etc.
- Return the banknote within 14 days of receipt for your money back if not satisfied.
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Banknote Condition Guide (UNC, XF, VF, F etc.)
- UNC (Uncirculated): No folds/creases; full crispness/sheen. May have "half moon" at edge of security thread.
- AU (About Uncirculated): Nearly perfect, with a single light fold or handling mark that doesn't break the paper. Crisp and colorful.
- XF a.k.a. EF (Extremely Fine): Crisp, firm, bright; a few light folds or one firm crease.
- VF Plus: Minor folds/stains; white areas are bright, still not quite Extra Fine.
- VF (Very Fine): Several folds; paper firmer than average; corners lightly worn.
- VF Minus: VF but may show foxing (yellow/brown patches), thinner paper, more folds/wrinkles/small tears (1-3 mm), otherwise intact.
- F (Fine): Well-used, many folds or creases; paper is soft; some soiling and/or pen marks.
- VG (Very Good) / Limp/worn/faded with heavy creasing/edge wear/tears.
Coin grading guide
- BU (Brilliant Uncirculated): Mint luster, never used
- UNC (Uncirculated): No wear, may have minor bag marks
- VF: clear, readable, noticeably worn, duller surfaces, dirt/toning common
- XF: sharp detail, light high-point wear, traces of luster, mostly clean fields
- AU: near-mint detail, luster largely present, only tiny rub, minimal grime
- F (Fine): Significant wear, major details visible
- G (Good): Heavy wear, outlines and shape remain
A note on “dirt” and dark spots
Circulated coins often show some toning (natural color change of the metal) and sometimes adhered dirt/deposits (a bonded film or small patch that cannot be removed without conservation or cleaning). A coin can still be correctly graded VF/XF/AU even if it has a small, stubborn smudge—that typically affects eye appeal, not the underlying wear grade, unless it is corrosion or damage.
Very Fine (VF) coin
What VF means: The coin has seen real circulation. Major features are clear, but high points are noticeably worn down.
Wear & detail (what you’ll see)
- Moderate wear across the whole design
- High points are flattened/rounded (not sharp)
- Most major elements are fully visible (portrait, emblem, date, legends)
- Inner detail is partially worn: hair strands, feather lines, leaf veins may be merged or softened
- Rim is complete; lettering should be readable and strong
Marks, scratches, and rims
- Many small contact marks from circulation
- Light scratches/hairlines are common
- Small rim nicks or bumps may appear
- No single deep gouge should dominate the coin (unless disclosed as a problem)
Brilliance / luster
- No mint luster
- Surface looks matte or uniformly dull
- Any “shine” is usually from wear smoothing, not original luster
Color, toning, and dirt
- Toning is often medium gray/brown (varies by metal)
- Darker color may collect in recesses
- Adhered grime in protected areas is common
- You may see a small dark smudge/spot (a few mm) that cannot be removed without conservation
In plain terms: VF is solid, honest circulation with full readability and strong main design, but clearly worn.
Extremely Fine (XF) coin
What XF means: Only light circulation. The design is sharp, with wear mainly limited to the highest points.
Wear & detail (what you’ll see)
- Light wear on the highest points only
- Most inner detail remains crisp: separation in hair, feathers, shield lines, leaf structure
- Legends, date, and rims are sharp and well-defined
- High-point flatness is present but limited and localized
Marks, scratches, and rims
- Fewer marks than VF
- Small contact ticks may be present
- Light hairlines possible
- Rim usually clean with only minor nicks
Brilliance / luster
- Some original luster may remain, especially in protected areas (around lettering, inside wreaths, fields near devices)
- Coin may show a slight “flash” when tilted, but not full cartwheel luster
Color, toning, and dirt
- Toning tends to be lighter and thinner than VF
- Dirt is usually limited to crevices
- A stubborn smudge can exist, but it will stand out more against the otherwise clean surfaces
In plain terms: XF still looks “sharp” at a glance—most detail is there—with only light wear on the tops.
About Uncirculated (AU) coin
The coin looks close to uncirculated but has the slightest wear (often called “rub” or “friction”) on the highest points.
Wear & detail (what you’ll see)
- Nearly full detail
- Only the very highest points show faint friction (cheekbone, hair curls, eagle breast, crown tips, etc.)
- No broad flattening; design remains crisp
Marks, scratches, and rims
- Contact marks may exist (coins can get marks without heavy wear)
- “Bag marks” (small dings from storage/handling) may appear
- Major scratches or damage are not expected unless disclosed
Brilliance / luster
- Most mint luster is present
- Often shows a clear “cartwheel” effect when rotated in light
- The only dull areas should be on the tiny rub points
Color, toning, and dirt
- Toning may be present, sometimes attractive
- Dirt/deposits should be minimal
- A small dark patch (few mm) can still occur from old residue or contamination; it may be non-removable without conservation
- If the patch is corrosion/etching (metal damage), that is a problem, and should be disclosed separately
In plain terms: AU is a “near-mint” circulated coin—luster mostly intact, with only a whisper of wear.
Final thoughts
Grade primarily describes wear. Surface issues can exist at any grade:
- A coin can be VF/XF/AU and still have a small, stubborn smudge
- A coin with corrosion, pitting, holes, deep gouges, harsh cleaning, or heavy rim damage is considered a problem coin the we will describe specifically in the listing.