Algeria 5 Dinars African Elephant 2017 KM 123 UNC Coin
The Algeria 5 Dinars 2017 KM#123 is part of Algeria’s distinctive modern series of circulation coins featuring animals associated with North Africa.
Its main motif is an African elephant, while the surrounding decoration draws inspiration from Numidian art. The type was introduced in 1992 and continued across numerous dates, including the 1438 AH / 2017 variety. Numista
Historical Background
Algeria introduced the Algerian Dinar (DZD) in 1964. A new generation of circulation coins introduced in the 1990s incorporated motifs inspired by the country’s wildlife, geography and ancient heritage.
The 5 Dinars KM#123 combines both themes particularly well. Its elephant evokes North Africa’s ancient fauna, while the decorative elements reference Numidian artistic traditions. The Numidian kingdoms were an important part of ancient North African history before the region came under Roman domination.
Coin Specifications
- Country: Algeria
- Denomination: 5 Dinars
- Year: 2017
- Islamic Date: 1438 AH
- KM Number: KM#123
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Bank of Algeria
- Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)
- Type: Standard circulation coin
- Composition: Stainless steel
- Weight: 6.15 g (some catalogues round to 6.20 g)
- Diameter: 24.65 mm
- Thickness: 1.95 mm
- Shape: Round
- Edge: Plain
- Orientation: Coin alignment
- Mint: Algiers, Algeria
- Theme: African Elephant / Numidian Heritage Numista
Obverse
The obverse prominently displays the denomination 5 Dinars.
Arabic lettering identifies the issuing institution and denomination:
بنك الجزائر — Bank of Algeria
5
دنانير — Dinars
An especially interesting design detail is the shape incorporated into the numeral 5, which is based on a funerary furniture motif associated with Massinissa, the famous Numidian king. Todocoleccion
Reverse
The reverse depicts the forepart of an African elephant facing right.
Below the animal appear the Islamic and Gregorian dates:
1438 AH / 2017
Above and around the elephant is a stylised decorative pattern inspired by a Numidian mosaic, further connecting the wildlife motif with Algeria’s ancient North African heritage. Todocoleccion
The African Elephant and Ancient North Africa
Elephants have a particularly interesting connection with ancient North African history.
The now-extinct North African elephant population is traditionally associated with the elephants used by Carthage, including during the Punic Wars. Ancient North Africa was also home to the Numidian kingdoms, making the combination of elephant imagery and Numidian-inspired decoration especially appropriate for an Algerian coin.
The coin therefore has appeal beyond wildlife collecting, connecting modern Algeria with the much older history of the Maghreb.
Why Add This Coin to Your Collection?
The Algeria 5 Dinars African Elephant 2017 KM 123 UNC coin is an attractive choice for collectors of Algerian coins, African wildlife, elephants on coins and modern world currency.
Its stainless-steel composition gives the coin a bright metallic appearance, while UNC condition preserves the elephant’s details and the surrounding Numidian-inspired decoration.
