25 IQD #642

Front

Ishtar Gate of ancient Babylon, the monumental glazed-brick entrance built circa 575 BCE during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II. The gate was decorated with alternating rows of bas-relief lions, dragons, and bulls in vibrant blue-glazed brick, and served as the ceremonial processional entrance to the inner city. The Lion of Babylon, a basalt sculpture from ancient Babylon dating to approximately 600 BCE, appears at center right. Text 'ISHTAR GATE' appears in English and Arabic.

Back

Saddam Hussein (1937-2006), President of Iraq from 1979 to 2003. His portrait appears prominently at right in formal attire. Hussein's regime issued numerous banknote series bearing his portrait during the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly during the period of international sanctions following the Gulf War. The Arabic inscription reads 'Central Bank of Iraq' with the Hijri and Gregorian dates 1412-1992.

History

This note belongs to the Fourth Issue of Iraqi dinars issued by the Central Bank of Iraq during Saddam Hussein's presidency. The series was introduced in 1992 (AH 1412) during a period of severe economic sanctions following the 1990-1991 Gulf War. These sanctions and the resulting economic crisis led to hyperinflation and currency devaluation throughout the 1990s. The Ishtar Gate motif connects modern Iraq to its ancient Mesopotamian heritage as the site of Babylon. Following the 2003 invasion and fall of Hussein's government, these notes were demonetized and replaced by a new dinar series issued by the Coalition Provisional Authority and the reconstituted Central Bank of Iraq. The serial number visible is '484846' with prefix 'أح/192' (transliterated 'ah/192'). No known public serial-year encoding for this issuer beyond the series date printed on the note.