Commemorative coins of Pakistan facts for kids
Commemorative coins are special coins made to remember important events, people, or anniversaries. Unlike the coins you use every day, these are often kept by collectors and aren't usually used for buying things. Think of them as tiny pieces of history you can hold in your hand! The State Bank of Pakistan, with advice from the government, has made many such coins over the years to celebrate different moments in the country's history.
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What are Commemorative Coins?
Commemorative coins are like special edition coins. They are created to honor big events, celebrate national heroes, or mark important milestones. While some countries let you use these coins like regular money, many are made just for people who collect coins. They are a way to keep memories alive and teach us about the past.
Why Does Pakistan Issue Special Coins?
Pakistan has issued many commemorative coins for a variety of reasons, from celebrating its founders to marking international friendships. Here are some of the main reasons:
Honoring Great Leaders and Heroes
Many coins are made to remember important people who have done great things for Pakistan.
- In 1976 and 1977, coins were issued for the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam, the founder of Pakistan. These included 50 Paisa, 100 Rupee, and even 500 Rupee coins, some made of silver and gold!
- In 1977, a 1 Rupee coin was made for the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal, a famous poet and thinker who inspired the idea of Pakistan.
- More recently, in 2017, a 50 Rupee coin honored Abdul Sattar Edhi, a great humanitarian known for his charity work.
- In 2018, a 50 Rupee coin was released for Dr. Ruth Pfau, who dedicated her life to fighting leprosy in Pakistan.
- Also in 2018, a 50 Rupee coin marked the 200th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, an important educator and reformer.
- In 2003, a 10 Rupee coin was issued to honor Madre-Millat Mohtrama Fatima Jinnah, Quaid-e-Azam's sister, for her contributions.
- In 2008, a 10 Rupee coin remembered former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on her first death anniversary.
Celebrating Important Events
Coins also mark significant national and international events.
- In 1977, coins were issued for the Islamic Summit Minar, a monument in Lahore.
- In 1977, coins were made for Wild Life Conservation Day, showing Pakistan's care for nature.
- In 1980, coins celebrated the start of the 15th century Hijra, an important time in the Islamic calendar.
- In 1982, a 1 Rupee coin was issued for F.A.O World Food Day, highlighting the importance of food security.
- In 1996, a 5 Rupee coin marked the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations, showing Pakistan's role in global peace.
- In 1997, a 50 Rupee coin celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Pakistan, marking 50 years since its independence.
- In 2018, a 50 Rupee coin was issued for International Anti-Corruption Day, promoting honesty.
- In 2023, a 50 Rupee coin marked the Golden Jubilee of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan, celebrating 50 years of its supreme law.
Marking Anniversaries
Many coins celebrate important anniversaries of institutions and relationships.
- In 1998, a 10 Rupee coin marked the Silver Jubilee (25 years) of the Senate of Pakistan. Another 50 Rupee coin was issued for its Golden Jubilee (50 years) in 2023.
- In 2011, a 20 Rupee coin celebrated 150 years of Lawrence College, Ghora Gali, a historic school.
- In 2015, a 20 Rupee coin commemorated "100 years of Glory" for Islamia College, Peshawar.
- In 2014, a 25 Rupee coin marked the Golden Jubilee of the Pakistan Navy Submarine Force.
- In 2021, a 100 Rupee coin celebrated the 100th anniversary of NED University Karachi.
- Also in 2021, another 100 Rupee coin marked the 100th Anniversary of UET Lahore.
- In 2021, a 50 Rupee coin marked the Golden Jubilee of the PNS Submarine Hangor, a famous submarine.
- In 2019, a special 550 Rupee coin was issued for the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
Showing Friendship with Other Countries
Some coins highlight Pakistan's relationships with other nations.
- In 2009, a 10 Rupee coin showed solidarity with The People's Republic of China on its 60th Anniversary.
- In 2011, a 20 Rupee coin celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Another 70 Rupee coin was issued for the 70th anniversary in 2021.
- In 2015, a 20 Rupee coin marked the "Pakistan-China Year of Friendly Exchange."
- In 2021, a 70 Rupee coin celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Germany.
- In 2023, a 100 Rupee coin marked the 10th Anniversary of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
- Also in 2023, a 75 Rupee coin celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and USA.
- In 2020, a 40 Rupee coin commemorated 40 years since Afghan refugees arrived in Pakistan, highlighting a long history of support.
What are These Coins Made Of?
Commemorative coins are made from different materials, often more valuable than regular coins.
- Many are made of Cuprous Nickel, which is a mix of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This gives them a silver-like appearance.
- Some special coins are made of Silver, often 92.5% pure silver.
- The most valuable ones can be made of Gold, usually 91.66% pure gold.
- Other materials like Bronze (copper, zinc, and tin) or Nickel-Brass (copper, zinc, and nickel) are also used.
These different metals give the coins unique colors and weights, making them even more interesting for collectors.
Collecting Commemorative Coins
Most commemorative coins are made for collectors. This means they are often produced in smaller numbers than regular money. They are kept in special collections and are not meant to be spent. People collect them because of their historical meaning, their beautiful designs, or the special materials they are made from. Each coin tells a story about an important part of Pakistan's history and culture.
