Afghanistan and Afghan Coins

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Obverse of Afghan 50 Afghanis

Reverse of Afghan 50 Afghanis

Foreign Occupation
Afghanistan suffered heavily from Mongol invaders during the Middle Ages, and at various times, parts of Afghanistan were ruled by the Persians, Mughals and others, until the early 18th century, when Modern Pakistan was formed thanks to the efforts of Miriwais Hotek, and Afghani Patriot.

Afghani Imperialism and the Struggle For Independence
Throughout the 18th Century, Afghanistan fought many wars between the Persians in the East, and various Indian states to the South. During the 18th Century, Afghanistan was used as a buffer state between British India and the Russian Empire, with both Empires struggling to seize influence over the country, as part of a wider struggle between Britain and Russia, known as ‘the Great Game’.

Later History
During the early part of 20th Century, the Afghani monarchy tried to westernise the country, but when King Muhammad Nazir Shah was overthrown in 1973, Afghanistan fell under Soviet influence. A bloody war was fought between the Soviets (allied with the local Communist Government) and Afghani insurgents which eventually saw the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989, and the downfall of the Communist government a few years later in 1992. An unstable government ruled Afghanistan until it was driven out of Kabul by the Taliban in 1996. This Taliban regime was itself overthrown with the aid of an American-led alliance in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, but the Taliban still survives in the south and this area remains an active warzone.

Afghan Coins
Coinage was first introduced into the area by Alexander the Great in the 4th century B.C.
Selucid, Greco-Bactrian and Parthian coins circulated in what later became known as Afghanistan, as well as those of surrounding states. The Rupee was introduced during the 1540s by Shur Shar Suri, a Pashtun who ruled Afghanistan and Northern India at this time. This Rupee, from which the Afghan and Indian Rupees descend, lasted in Afghanistan until 1925, when it was replaced by the Afghani, a decimal currency divided into 100 pul, but with another denomination known as the Ammani, which was worth 20 Afghani. After decades of high inflation and widespread counterfeiting, this original Afghani was replaced in 2003 by the new Afghani. The pul was not revived, and the 1 Afghani is currently the lowest denomination of coin, in addition to 2, and 5 Afghani coins. Higher denominations are issued in banknotes.

For Sale and Wanted
If you are interested in coins from Afghanistan please see our product index:-
Afghan Coins

Gold Coins We also have gold coins from Afghanistan on our taxfreegold website:-
Afghan Gold Coins