The State Bank of Pakistan on Friday issued a commemorative coin to mark the 555th Jayanti (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion.
Nanak’s birth anniversary took place last week at the Gurdwara Janamashtham Nankana Sahib, during which Sikh yatrees from across the world, including India, performed religious rituals.
“On the auspicious occasion of the 555th Jayanti of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Federal Government was pleased to issue a commemorative coin of Rs55.”
It is a round milled part with a diameter of 30 mm and a weight of 13.5 grams. It is made of nickel-plated brass alloy with 79% copper, 20% zinc and 1% nickel.
The obverse of the coin features a waxing crescent and a five-pointed star facing northwest in an ascending position. Along with the periphery, the top of the crescent star is inscribed in the words “Islami Jamhuria Pakistan” in Urdu script.
Below the crescent and on top of two wheat springs with the arms curved upwards is the year of issue 2024. The face value of the coin in the number ’55’ in bold letters and RUPIA in Urdu script are written on the right and left sides of the crescent star respectively.
The reverse of the coin features an image of the monument of “Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji”. The words “555th Anniversary Celebrations” are written on the top of the monument and “Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji” is written at the bottom of the monument while “1469-2024” is written with the periphery at the bottom of the coin representing the duration of the birthday celebrations.
It is pertinent to mention here that Sikhi is a global religion with millions of followers and the holiest shrines are found in Pakistan.
The coin will be issued through exchange counters at all field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation from November 22, 2024, the statement said.