Governor SBP Dr. Reza Baqir unveiled the commemorative coin of Rs.550 to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak at State Bank of Pakistan. A delegation of Sikh Community led by Sardar Ramesh Singh Khalsa, Patron in Chief Pakistan Sikh Council & Member Prime Minister’s Taskforce for Evacuee Trust Property Board, comprising members of Pakistan Sikh Council and Baba Guru Nanak Darbar also attended the ceremony.
In his welcome address, the Governor informed the audience that this was the first time in the history of the country that a coin in memory of a religious personality is issued. He cited three reasons behind the issuance of the commemorative coin in the name of Baba Guru Nanak. The first is that through this gesture, State Bank has contributed in the national efforts to support inter-religious harmony. Second, the coin will underscore the message of peace taught by Baba Guru Nanak. Third, this initiative is to promote peace, which enhances economic prosperity which is a key goal of the State Bank of Pakistan.
The Chief Guest, Sardar Ramesh Singh Khalsa in his address thanked the Governor SBP and State Bank and stated that the issuance of the coin serves as special gift for 140 million Sikhs living all over the world.
It may be added here that the Commemorative Coin are available through the exchange counters of all the field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation from November 12, 2019. These coins are also available at Nankana Sahib Gurdwara and Shrine of Baba Guru Nanak at Kartarpur Sahib.
At the end of the ceremony, Governor State Bank presented memento to the Chief Guest. The details of the coin are as under:
Metal composition: Cupro-Nickel, Copper 75% & Nickel 25%
Dimension: 30.0 mm
Weight: 13.5 grams
OBVERSE:
The waxing crescent moon and five-pointed star facing North West in rising position is in the center on the obverse side of the coin. Along with periphery on the top of the crescent star is inscribed in the wording “ISLAMI JAMHORIA PAKISTAN” in Urdu script. Below the crescent and at the top of two springs of wheat with arms curved upward, there is the year of issuance 2019. The face value of the coin in numerical “550” in bold letters and RUPIA in Urdu script are written on the right and left sides of the crescent star respectively.
REVERSE:
On the reverse side of the coin, picture of monument of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is shown in the center. The wordings of “550th Birthday Celebrations” written on the top of the monument and “Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji” at the bottom of monument whereas “1469-2019” is written along the periphery at the coin depicting the span of birthday celebrations.