Iraq 50-FILS (KM162)

The Aurochs (Bos primigenius) is an extinct type of large wild cattle that lived in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is the ancestor of domestic cattle, and the last recorded aurochs died in Poland in 1627.

The aurochs on this coin is from the Ishtar Gate, which was the eighth gate to the inner city of ancient Babylon. The gate was constructed circa 575 BCE. It was excavated in the early 20th century and reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin using original bricks.

This coin was minted in 1982 only, three years into the rule of Saddam Hussein, and two years after the start of the eight year long Iran-Iraq war.

Image from Wikimedia Commons