2016-01-28 Thu

In 2004, Somalia released a unique 6-coin set to mark 50 years of rock-n-roll. These coins, shaped like guitars, show-off different popular styles.

The coins are of a Brilliant Uncirculated quality with a face value of $1. Each of the 6 coins weighs about 10 grams and measure approximately 45 mm in diameter. These silver plated cupro-nickel coins are inspired and designed based on the classic red and white Gibson Les Paul, the American-flag stars-and-stripes Gibson Flying V, a black Gibson Flying V, the pink star guitar used by various rock stars including Abba and Gary Glitter, a blue Gibson X-plorer, and a yellow Klein. This set is legal tender in Somalia.

Due to the immense popularity of the 2004 set, Somalia issued another in 2012. The guitar-shaped coins are a set of 6, like its predecessor, and celebrate some of rock-n-roll’s most iconic guitars. Each coin is shaped like a different model including Bo Diddley’s Red Rectangle, Neil Young’s Gretsch White Falcon, and Jimmy Page’s Double Neck Gibson.

The coins are all silver plated cupro-nickel pieces with multiple layers of enamel. The Somali Republic Coat of Arms is depicted on the reverse surrounded by the inscriptions – ‘ONE DOLLAR’ and ‘2012’. The coins are of Brilliant Uncirculated quality with differing weights and diameters.