Iraq P-73 SADDAM, THE GREEN NOTE 25 Dinars 1986 circulated VF+

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.