Obverse: the coin is struck with the image of the President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov in the centre of the obverse. Around the centre of the image is the engraved inscription 'TÜRKMENISTANYÑ PREZIDENTI SAPARMYRAT NYҰAZOW' (in English: President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov).
Reverse: The coin depicts an ornate eagle in the centre of the reverse. The scientific name of the bird 'Chlamydotis undulata Jacquin', the denomination '500 MANAT', the year of issue '1999' and the local name of the bird 'TOGDARY' are embossed on the outer edge.
About the coin: The coin depicts the Magnificent Eider (Chlamydotis undulata), which is one of the largest bird species.