5 IQD #640

Front

Al-Shaheed Monument (Martyrs' Monument) in Baghdad, designed by Iraqi architect Saman Kamal and Italian artist Isamu Noguchi, inaugurated in 1983 to commemorate Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). The monument consists of a split turquoise dome 40 meters high, symbolizing a traditional shield dropping from the hands of a dying warrior. It is one of the most recognizable modern landmarks of Baghdad and was prominently featured on Iraqi currency during the Ba'athist era.

Back

Saddam Hussein (1937–2006), President of Iraq from 1979 to 2003. He led Iraq through the Iran-Iraq War, the invasion of Kuwait, and the Gulf War. His portrait appeared on all Iraqi banknotes during his rule. The Arabic inscription reads 'Central Bank of Iraq' and the date AH 1412 (1991–1992 CE). The serial number and control numbering are visible at left.

History

This 5 dinars note belongs to the fourth issue series of the Central Bank of Iraq, introduced in 1991–1992 during Saddam Hussein's presidency. The series was printed with the Hijri year 1412 (1991–1992 CE) and continued in circulation throughout the 1990s under international sanctions following the Gulf War. Notes from this era are characterized by featuring Saddam Hussein's portrait on the reverse and Iraqi monuments or historical scenes on the obverse. This series was demonetized following the 2003 invasion of Iraq and replaced by the New Iraqi Dinar series issued by the Coalition Provisional Authority and subsequent Iraqi governments. The Al-Shaheed Monument depicted on the front remains a landmark in Baghdad, though its political associations have been recontextualised post-2003.