KARACHI: For only the second time in the country’s history, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will soon begin issuing commemorative coins of Rs50 — this time to eulogise the services rendered by great social worker the late Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi.

According to a well-known coin collector, Rafiq Kasbati, the central bank last issued commemorative coins of Rs50 denomination in 1997, when the country was celebrating its golden jubilee.

An SBP statement said on Tuesday that the coins would be available at all exchange counters of the central bank’s field offices from March 31 onwards.

The coin — weighing 13.5 grams and having a diameter of 30mm — is made up of an alloy containing 75 per cent copper and 25 per cent nickel, according to the statement.

One side of the coin depicts a waxing crescent with a five-point star facing northwest in rising position in the centre. On top of the crescent and along the periphery of the coin the words “Islami Jamhooria Pakistan” have been inscribed in Urdu.

Below the crescent but on top of two sprigs of wheat with arms curved upwards, the year of Mr Edhi’s death has been inscribed.

The other side of the coin has a portrait of the late great social worker and philanthropist.

The words “Ehd-i-insaniyat Abdul Sattar Edhi [era of humanity Abdul Sattar Edhi]” have been inscribed above the portrait. Below the picture and along the periphery are inscribed his years of birth and death — 1928-2016.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2017