Algeria 1 Dinar Buffalo 2015 KM 129 UNC Coin
The Algeria 1 Dinar Buffalo 2015 KM#129 is a modern circulation coin of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, distinguished by its prominent wildlife design.
The coin belongs to Algeria’s long-running Dinar currency system and features the head of a Barbary buffalo, linking the denomination with the prehistoric and natural heritage of North Africa.
Its combination of Arabic inscriptions, dual dating and animal imagery makes it an attractive addition to both African and wildlife-themed coin collections.
Historical Background
The Algerian Dinar (DZD) has been Algeria’s national currency since 1964, when it replaced the Algerian new franc.
One Dinar is theoretically divided into 100 Centimes, although inflation has made the smallest Centime denominations largely obsolete in everyday circulation.
The 1 Dinar denomination has appeared in several designs over the decades, with Algeria frequently using its circulating coins to showcase the country’s history, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Coin Specifications
- Country: Algeria
- Denomination: 1 Dinar
- Year: 2015
- Islamic Year: 1436 AH
- KM Number: KM#129
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Bank of Algeria
- Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)
- Composition: Stainless steel
- Weight: approx. 4.20 g
- Diameter: approx. 20.6 mm
- Thickness: approx. 1.84 mm
- Shape: Round
- Orientation: Medal alignment
- Edge: Reeded
- Type: Standard circulation coin
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Head of a Barbary buffalo
- Detailed representation of the animal’s characteristic horns
- Decorative circular border
- Arabic inscriptions
The buffalo design gives this small denomination a particularly recognisable appearance and connects the coin with the ancient fauna represented in North African history and rock art.
Reverse
The reverse features:
- Large numeral 1
- Arabic denomination دينار
- Gregorian year 2015
- Islamic year 1436
- Arabic inscription identifying the Bank of Algeria
- Decorative border
The large denomination dominates the centre, making the coin’s value immediately recognisable.
Edge
The coin has a reeded edge, providing both a tactile distinction and an additional design feature.
The Barbary Buffalo
The animal depicted on the coin is generally identified numismatically as the Barbary buffalo, associated with the extinct North African buffalo Syncerus antiquus.
This enormous prehistoric bovine once inhabited North Africa and is known from fossil remains and prehistoric rock art.
Representations of large wild bovines can be found among the remarkable prehistoric engravings of the Sahara, providing an interesting link between Algeria’s modern currency and the region’s much older natural and human history.
Why Add This Coin to Your Collection?
The Algeria 1 Dinar Buffalo 2015 KM 129 UNC coin is particularly attractive for collectors interested in:
- Algerian and North African coins
- Animals on coins
- Buffalo and bovine themes
- Islamic-dated currency
- Modern African circulation coins
- Wildlife and prehistoric themes
Its UNC condition preserves the details of the buffalo portrait and the original metallic surfaces.
