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Showing posts from December, 2025

Yugosalavia | 1953 | 1 Dinar | Coat of arms |

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 Yugoslavia The emblem of socialist Yugoslavia symbolized the country’s federal structure and the principle of “brotherhood and unity.” Originally designed in 1943, it featured torches bound by wheat and topped with a red star. The date 29 November 1943 , commemorating the second session of the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia (AVNOJ) in Jajce, marked the foundation of post-war Yugoslavia as a federal state and was later celebrated as Republic Day. During World War II, the state was known as Democratic Federal Yugoslavia , renamed Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945, and finally Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1963. The original emblem showed five torches , representing five recognized nations, excluding Bosniaks. Following the 1963 reforms, the emblem was redesigned with six torches to represent the six federal republics. This final version remained in use until Yugoslavia’s dissolution in 1992.    

Yemen | 1974 | 5 Fils | Coat of arms

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  Yemen Arab Republic   The emblem of Yemen features the golden Eagle of Saladin holding a scroll bearing the Arabic name of the country, “The Yemeni Republic.” On the eagle’s chest is a shield showing a coffee plant , the Marib Dam , and seven blue wavy stripes , symbolizing national heritage and resources, while Yemeni flags appear on both sides. Before unification in 1990 , Yemen was divided into North and South . North Yemen used an emblem similar to the current one, while South Yemen employed a pan-Arab version of the Eagle of Saladin , reflecting common Arab nationalist symbolism.

Vietnam | 2003 | 1000 Dong | Coat of arms

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Vietnam The emblem of Vietnam is circular with a red background and yellow star , symbolizing the Communist Party, revolutionary struggle, and the nation’s future. Surrounding elements—a cog and rice crops —represent cooperation between industry and agriculture. Adopted by North Vietnam in 1955 and used nationwide after reunification in 1976 , the emblem was designed by Bùi Trang Chước and refined by Trần Văn Cẩn . Its design resembles that of China’s national emblem . In 2007 , concerns were raised about frequent printing errors that produced inaccurate versions, including incorrect proportions of the rice and gear elements.

USA | 1964 | Half Dollar | Coat of Arms

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  United States of America   The Great Seal of the United States, first used in 1782, serves as the official seal of the nation and is kept by the Secretary of State. Its obverse displays the national coat of arms, while the reverse shows a truncated pyramid topped by the Eye of Providence, dated 1776. The seal includes three Latin mottos: E Pluribus Unum , Annuit cœptis , and Novus ordo seclorum . Designed mainly by Charles Thomson and William Barton, the seal authenticates important federal documents and appears on items such as U.S. passports, military insignia, and since 1935, the one-dollar bill. Its design has remained largely unchanged, with the current official versions closely following those established in the late 19th century.  

United Kingdom | 2008 |1 Pound | Coat of arms

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  United Kingdom   The Royal coat of arms is the official emblem of the British monarch, used by the sovereign and the UK government, with a distinct Scottish version used in Scotland. The shield is quartered to represent England (three lions), Scotland (lion rampant), and Ireland (harp). The crest features a crowned lion, while the supporters are a lion and a chained unicorn, symbolizing strength and controlled power. Floral symbols—the Tudor rose, thistle, and shamrock—represent England, Scotland, and Ireland. The arms include the monarch’s motto “Dieu et mon droit” and the Order of the Garter’s motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense.” Together, the elements express royal authority, unity, and tradition within the United Kingdom.

Uganda | 1987 | 2 Shilling | Coat of arms

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  Uganda   The coat of arms of Uganda was approved in October 1962, shortly before independence. Its shield and spears symbolize national defense, while the shield’s images represent Uganda’s lakes, abundant sunshine, and the traditional drum. Originally a symbol of royal authority, the drum’s meaning was later reinterpreted after the 1966 political crisis, when traditional monarchies were abolished and Uganda became a republic under Milton Obote. Flanking the shield are the crested crane, Uganda’s national bird, and the Ugandan kob, symbolizing wildlife. The emblem rests on fertile green land above the River Nile, flanked by coffee and cotton, key cash crops. The national motto, “For God and My Country,” reflects the country’s values and identity.

Trinidad & Tobago | 1975 | 1 Cent | Coat of arms

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  Trinidad & Tobago The coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago, designed in 1962, reflects the nation’s history, geography, and identity. Its symbols include a palm tree crest from Tobago’s former arms and a wreath representing British monarchy. The shield uses the national colours and features gold ships symbolizing Columbus’s three vessels. Hummingbirds highlight Trinidad’s nickname, the “Land of the Hummingbird,” while the Scarlet Ibis and Cocrico represent the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago. Other elements depict the Trinity Hills and the island of Tobago, and the motto emphasizes national unity and progress: “Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve.”

Switzerland | 1998 | 5 Francs| Coat of arms

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  Switzerland The coat of arms of Switzerland features a white cross on a red shield and was formally defined in 1815. While widely used on coins, passports, and official symbols, a more elaborate federal seal saw limited use. In 2017, a new law standardized the coat of arms as a Swiss cross on a triangular shield and discontinued recognition of a federal seal.

Sweden | 1977 | 1 Krona | Coat of arms

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 Sweden      The lesser coat of arms of Sweden, featuring three gold crowns on a blue field and crowned with a royal crown, is widely used by the Swedish government and state authorities. Known as the Three Crowns, it symbolizes official state authority and appears on uniforms, passports, embassies, military and police insignia, as well as in national symbols such as the Swedish Air Force roundel and the men’s national ice hockey team.

Srilanka | 2006 | 1 Rupee | Coat of arms

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 Srilanka      The national emblem of Sri Lanka, used by the State and government since 1972, features a gold lion holding a sword on a maroon background, surrounded by blue lotus petals, rice sheaves symbolizing prosperity, the Dharmacakra representing Buddhism and just rule, and the sun and moon as traditional Sinhalese symbols.

Spain | 1987 | 1 Pesata | Coat of Arms

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 Spain The current coat of arms of Spain was officially approved in 1981, replacing earlier versions used after the Franco era, and appears on the national flag. It represents Spain’s historic kingdoms, the constitutional monarchy, and the national motto Plus Ultra , symbolized by the Pillars of Hercules. The shield combines the arms of Castile, León, Aragon, Navarre, and Granada, with an inescutcheon for the Bourbon dynasty, topped by the royal crown and flanked by the Pillars of Hercules, reflecting Spain’s history, monarchy, and geographic identity.

South Africa | 2008 |10 Cents | Coat of arms

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South Africa The current coat of arms of South Africa was introduced on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000, replacing the arms used since 1910. Its Khoisan motto, ǃke e: ǀxarra ǁke , means “diverse people unite,” reflecting democratic change and renewed patriotism. The design features layered oval forms symbolizing infinity, rebirth, and national unity, with imagery evoking the rise of a new South Africa. The coat of arms remains central to the Seal of the Republic, signifying presidential approval of state documents, although its use is no longer constitutionally required. The design has also faced criticism for prioritizing modern graphic design over traditional heraldry.

South Africa | 1981 | 1 Cent | Coat of arms

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South Africa The first coat of arms of the Union of South Africa was granted by King George V on 17 September 1910, shortly after the Union’s formation. It combined symbols of the four former colonies: Hope for the Cape of Good Hope, wildebeests for Natal, an orange tree for the Orange Free State, and a wagon for the Transvaal. Additional elements and supporters were drawn from colonial arms, while a lion holding bound rods symbolized unity. The motto Ex Unitate Vires was translated as “Union is Strength” until 1961 and later as “Unity is Strength.”

Slovakia | 1998 | 1 Koruna | Coat of arms

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 Slovakia The coat of arms of Slovakia features a red shield bearing a silver double cross standing on a three-peaked blue mountain symbolizing the Tatra, Fatra, and Mátra ranges. The double cross represents Slovakia’s Christian heritage and is commonly linked to the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Originating in the 9th-century Byzantine Empire, the double cross had political and religious significance, though its exact meaning is debated, with interpretations including the balance of secular and ecclesiastical power or the death and resurrection of Christ.

Singapore | 1990 | 1 Dollar | Coat of arms

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Singapore The National Coat of Arms of Singapore was adopted in 1959, when Singapore became self-governing, and was designed by a committee led by Toh Chin Chye. It features a red shield with a white crescent symbolizing a young nation and five white stars representing national ideals, supported by a lion and a tiger. Below is a blue ribbon bearing the motto Majulah Singapura (“Onward Singapore”). Although its official use is restricted to the government, the emblem appears on currency, state decorations, and the national passport.

Saudi Arabia | 2009 | 1 Qirish | Coat of Arms

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 Saudi Arabia The national emblem of Saudi Arabia, adopted in 1950, consists of a palm tree above two crossed swords. The swords symbolize the unification of Nejd and Hijaz under Ibn Saud, while the palm tree represents the nation’s people, heritage, and resources, protected by strength. The emblem appears on official documents, diplomatic missions, and several flags, including the Armed Forces flag and the Royal Standard, where it is placed low on the hoist out of respect for the sacred Shahada on the national flag.

Romania | 1963 | 3 Lei | Coat of arms

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  Romania                                                    The coat of arms of Romania was adopted by Parliament on 10 September 1992 and is based on the Lesser Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Romania, redesigned by Victor Dima. It features a golden aquila holding a cross, a sword, and a mace, and incorporates the national colors red, yellow, and blue. Its origins trace back to 1859, when Wallachia and Moldavia united and combined their heraldic symbols. After the 1989 Revolution,  a new coat of arms was sought to replace the communist emblem, leading to a redesigned version approved by Parliament in 1992.                                                

Poland | 1971 | 10 Groszy | Coat of arms

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  Poland     The White Eagle ( Orzeł Biały ) is Poland’s national coat of arms, depicting a white eagle with a golden beak, talons, and crown on a red shield. Its official description is set out in the 1997 Constitution and the 1980 Coat of Arms Act. However, the legislation governing national symbols is flawed, containing errors, omissions, and inconsistencies, and relying on executive regulations that are sometimes missing. As a result, the law is unclear, open to interpretation, and often not fully observed in practice.

Philippines - 1974 - 10 Sentimos - Coat of arms

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 Philippines The Coat of Arms of the Philippines features an eight-rayed sun representing the eight provinces placed under martial law during the Philippine Revolution, and three stars symbolizing the country’s main geographic regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The shield includes the American bald eagle on a blue field and the lion of Castile and León on a red field, reflecting the nation’s colonial history under the United States and Spain. The emblem is officially defined in the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines and is also used in modified form by institutions such as the Philippine National Bank.

Peru | 1996 | 10 Centimes | Coat of arms

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 Peru The coat of arms of Peru is the country’s national emblem and exists in four official variants: the coat of arms, the National Coat of Arms, the Great Seal of the State, and the Naval Coat of Arms. The basic coat of arms features a shield flanked by palm and laurel branches tied with a red and white ribbon and topped by a civic crown, symbolizing victory and glory, and is used on the national ensign and currency. The National Coat of Arms adds a flag and standard and is displayed on war flags and public buildings. The Great Seal includes the national shield with the inscription “República del Perú” for official documents, while the Naval Coat of Arms incorporates anchors and a sun and is used for naval purposes.

Pakistan | 1983 | 5 paisa | Coat of arms

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 Pakistan The state emblem of Pakistan, adopted in 1954, represents the country’s ideological, economic, cultural, and moral foundations. It features a crescent and star symbolizing Islam above a shield depicting cotton, wheat, tea, and jute, reflecting Pakistan’s agricultural economy at independence. The shield is encircled by a jasmine wreath symbolizing cultural heritage rooted in Mughal art. Below, a scroll bears Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s motto in Urdu—“Faith, Unity, Discipline”—which serves as the nation’s guiding principles. The emblem of Azad Jammu and Kashmir incorporates a crescent and star, mountains, and a maple leaf representing local natural abundance.

Oman | 1972 | 5 Baisa | Coat of arms

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Oman    The national emblem of Oman consists of a khanjar in its sheath placed over two crossed swords. Originating in the mid-18th century as the royal crest of the Al Said dynasty, it later became the national emblem of the Sultanate of Oman. Its official adoption likely occurred during the reign of either Faisal bin Turki or Taimur bin Feisal, and it was added to the canton of the national flag in 1970. A crowned version of the emblem is used to identify directly royal institutions, including all branches of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and other state security organizations.

Netherlands | 1980 | 1 Guilder | Coat of arms

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  Netherlands The Greater Coat of Arms of the Realm ( Groot Rijkswapen ) is the personal coat of arms of the Dutch monarch. A simplified version is used by the government. Its design was established by Queen Wilhelmina in 1907 and confirmed by Queen Juliana in 1980. The arms show a golden crowned lion on a blue, gold-billetty shield, holding a sword and seven bound arrows, symbolizing the seven provinces of the Union of Utrecht. The shield is crowned with the royal crown and supported by two lions above a scroll bearing the motto “Je Maintiendrai” (“I will maintain”). In its full form, the arms are placed on a red ermine-lined mantle beneath a pavilion topped with the royal crown. Male successors may replace the crown on the shield with a helm bearing the Nassau crest.

Nepal | 1971 | 1 Paisa | Coat of arms

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Nepal      The national emblem of Nepal, officially adopted on 28 May 2008 and revised in 2020, is the primary symbol of the Nepalese government. The updated design incorporates Nepal’s revised political map, including claims over Kalapani, Lipulekh Pass, and Limpiyadhura. It features Mount Everest, green hills and a yellow background representing the country’s regions, joined hands of a man and a woman symbolizing gender equality, and a wreath of rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower, topped by a white silhouette of the nation.

Morocco | 1987 | 1 Dirham | Coat of arms

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 Morocoo The current royal coat of arms of Morocco, introduced on 14 August 1957 and designed by Gauthier and Hainaut, features a green pentagram on a red field set before the Atlas Mountains and a rising sun. The shield is surmounted by a royal crown, supported by two lions, and bears an Arabic inscription on a ribbon beneath.