500 Afghanis (2006 FIFA World Cup)

The 500 Afghani coin commemorating the 2006 FIFA World Cup was issued by the Da Afghanistan Bank in 2001. Although the tournament took place in 2006, the commemorative series was part of a wider international numismatic program produced in the early 2000s to highlight global sporting events. These coins were minted to generate interest among international collectors and to showcase Afghanistan's participation in global cultural and athletic dialogues during a period of significant national transition.

The design features standard national motifs alongside specific iconography representing football, emphasizing the universal appeal of the sport. Like many commemorative coins from this era, the piece was struck in precious metal to appeal to the collector market rather than for circulation. It was received primarily as a novelty item within the numismatic community, serving as a curious intersection between Afghan state commemorative initiatives and the commercial branding of global sporting bodies like FIFA.