KARACHI, November 22 2024: In a significant move that underscores Pakistan’s rich cultural and religious diversity, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced the issuance of a special commemorative coin, valued at Rs. 55, in honor of the 555th Jayanti of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism. This coin, set to be released on November 22, 2024, reflects both the nation’s acknowledgment of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s global spiritual legacy and its commitment to preserving the values of interfaith harmony and respect.
Coin Specifications:
- Metal Composition: Nickel-Brass (Cu 79%, Zn 20%, Ni 1%)
- Diameter: 30.0 mm
- Weight: 13.5 grams
The commemorative coin’s design features intricate details symbolizing Pakistan’s national identity and the profound spiritual impact of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings.
Obverse Side: The obverse of the coin displays a crescent moon and a five-pointed star in a rising position, facing towards the North-West, a symbol of Pakistan’s Islamic heritage. The upper part of the coin bears the inscription “ISLAMI JAMHURIA PAKISTAN” in elegant Urdu script. Beneath the crescent, two springs of wheat curve upwards, symbolizing prosperity and the country’s agricultural backbone. The year of issuance, 2024, is placed below the crescent, while the face value “55” is prominently displayed on the right side of the crescent, with the word “RUPIA” in Urdu script to the left.
Reverse Side: On the reverse, the coin honors the legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with a depiction of his monument. The words “555th Birthday Celebrations” are etched above the monument, with “SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI” inscribed below. The dates “1469-2024” are featured along the bottom periphery, marking the span of his birth and the anniversary celebrations. This side of the coin is a tribute to the lasting impact of Guru Nanak’s teachings, which continue to resonate with millions of followers worldwide.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in the region now part of Pakistan, is revered as a key figure in the founding of Sikhism, a religion with millions of adherents across the globe. The holiest sites of the Sikh faith, including the iconic Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, are located in Pakistan, making this commemorative coin not only a symbol of historical reverence but also a gesture of the nation’s inclusive religious fabric.
This special commemorative coin will be available for exchange at all field offices of the SBP Banking Services Corporation starting from November 22, 2024. The issuance of this coin is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to honor figures who have contributed significantly to global peace, spirituality, and unity, while also celebrating the diverse cultural heritage that defines Pakistan.
