Revved-Up Somalian Coins

By Dan Lewis | Tue, 3 Jul 2007

Capitalizing on the success of its 2004 coins, the African nation?s colorful motorcycle series is destined to be a hit with collectors and bikers.

Following the  success of its colorful, guitar-shaped coins in 2004, the Federal Republic of Somalia has released six, enameled motorcycle-shaped $1 coins. As is the case with many emerging nations, Somalia issues non-circulating, legal-tender coins (NCLTs) as a means of raising much-needed revenue to support its cause.

Somalia is situated on the Horn of Africa in the easternmost part of the continent. One of the poorest nations on Earth, it stretches from the equator to the Red Sea and has a land mass of 246,000 square miles. The capital of the republic is Mogadishu, and the vast majority of its inhabitants are nomadic or semi-nomadic.

The nation has had its share of political turmoil. In the last days of 2006, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the Somali Republic, made up of exiled Somali citizens and supported by the United Nations and Ethiopian troops, ousted the Islamic regime from Mogadishu. Peace-keeping forces from the African Union are expected to support the transitional government in its bid to control the country.

The 2007 motorcycle coins were minted in England by authority of the TFG. Although trademark restrictions prevent the coins from indicating brand names, motorcycling fans should have no trouble recognizing their favorite bikes. For those of us who are more numismatically inclined, different colors help identify the coins.

Each silver-plated, base-metal coin is approximately 25 x 45mm. The obverses bear the seal of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the denomination. Affordably priced specimens ? less than US $15 ? are readily available on eBay and e-commerce sites, as well as at coin shows.

If the popularity of its guitar series is any indication, Somalia?s 2007 non-circulating, legal-tender motorcycle coins are sure to be a hit with collectors and bike enthusiasts. The affordable pieces are silver-plated and enameled.