Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani Coins

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Mohammed Fuzuli on Obverse of 1996 Azerbaijan Silver Proof 50 Manat

Two Men & Deer on Reverse of 1996 Azerbaijan Silver Proof 50 Manat

Early History
Azerbaijan has been occupied by Humans for thousands of years. Persian influence meant that Zoroastrianism became the predominant religion in the area for centuries. However, in the 4th Century, Azerbaijan, or ‘Caucasian Albania’ became predominantly Christian. The Umayyad Caliphate invaded the area as part of its conquest of the Sassanid Empire and Islam was introduced, eventually the majority of the population converted to this religion. The succeeding Abbasid Caliphate declined in power and influence, and more local dynasties sprang up to fill the power vacuum.
In the 11th Century, Turkic migrants and invaders displaced or assimilated the local population, and today the population is predominantly ethnically and culturally Turkic. During the Middle Ages, Azerbaijanis were conquered and incorporated into the Mongol Empire. The(area now known as Azerbaijan was eventually broken up into independent Khanates, nominally under Persian vassalage, but which were eventually swallowed up by the Russian Empire in the early 19th Century.

20th Century History
During World War I, the Russian Empire collapsed into anarchy and civil war. The Trancaucasus took advantage of this and Azerbaijan, alond with Georgia and Armenia, declared independence from Russia and formed the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic in February 1918. This short-lived country was dissolved into its constituent parts in May of that year, forming the Azerbaijan Federative Republic. This Republic lasted less than two years befire it was invaded by the victorious Bolshevik faction of the Russian Civil War and turned into a Soviet Socialist Republic. Azerbaijan subsequently suffered under Soviet Communism until 1991.

Azerbaijan Today
Although nominally a democracy with a constitution and separation of powers, Azerbaijan is considered to be a de facto dictatorship by Freedom House. Today, the country has a burgeoning tourist industry as well as an economy based heavily on mineral exploitation, science and agriculture.

Azerbaijani Coins
Having previously used the coins of its imperial overlords, the Azerbaijanis introduced the Manat (subdivided into 100 Qapik) in 1919. This replaced the Transcaucasion/Russian Roubles in circulation at the time. In 1923, the Manat was replaced by the Soviet Rouble. This Manat was issued in banknote form only.
A new Manat was introduced in 1992 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. 5, 10, 20 and 50 Qapak coins were originally issued in brass and cupro-nickel, however, later issues were struck in aluminium only. No coins were struck after 1993, due to rocketing inflation.
With the introduction of the New Mannat in 2006 (with an exchange rate of 1 New Mannat to 5,000 Old Mannat) coins were once again struck for circulation, with 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 50 qabak. The latter is a bimetallic coin similar to the EU2 coin.
Local law forbids the exportation of Azerbaijani currency.

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

Gold Coins
We also have gold coins from Azerbaijan on our taxfreegold website:-
Azerbaijani Gold Coins