Comprehensive timeline of Arab banknotes

Note from the collector: Coins minted in the Arab (not Anatolian) mints are identified by spatial markings on the reverse. The gold “mithqal” coins from the early Arabian period are among the most valuable coins in the global Islamic coinage market.

Note from the collector: Exactly preserved tablets are nearly impossible to find because most were used commercially and then destroyed. Tablets crossed out with ink (a mark indicating currency exchange) are considered more authentic from a historical documentation perspective.

Note from the collector: Printed Hijri dates help to accurately determine the year of issue. Papers bearing the seals of Arab branches (such as the Beirut or Damascus seal) add significant documentary value.

Note from the collector: The Ottoman postage stamps used as currency in Palestine (1917–1918) are among the strangest and rarest collectibles in the history of Arab currency — a paper or card that combines several stamps as an alternative to banknotes.

Note from the collector: Hashemite financial documents and letters from British advisors regarding the cash financing of the revolt are among the rarest documents in private libraries. The Order of the Great Arab Revolt is more common than the currency itself.

Note from the collector: Undated issues with the blue seal stain are among the rarest in the Egyptian pound market. The 10-pound note depicting the Temple of Philae (1926–1932) fetched prices exceeding £12,000 at Christie's auctions.

Note from the collector: The Palestinian pound is one of the most sought-after currencies at Middle Eastern auctions for both historical and sentimental reasons. Even the small 500ml note in UNC condition can fetch over $3,000. The presence of Palestinian bank seals significantly increases its value.

Note from the collector: The quarter dinar, and especially the Faisal (I) UNC issue, exceeded $8,000 at the Heritage Auction 2021. The complete sequence from Faisal to Faisal II is one of the most difficult Iraqi monetary challenges.

Note from the collector: Issues prior to 1943 (before Lebanese independence) are rarer. The 500 lira note, "Majdal Anjar Image," is one of the rarest Arabic banknotes documented in Classic Numismatics Europe auctions.

Note from the collector: All three categories together in UNC with consecutive numbering are a dream for Gulf collectors. Forgeries are well-known—check the embossed paper and micropores under a 10x microscope. Purchases from major auction houses are the only safe option.

Note from the collector: Papers stamped “Annulé” (cancelled) from central bank stocks are among the finest documentary holdings — despite the stamp, their condition is usually excellent and their historical value is high.

Note from the collector: Early Sama issues before the appearance of King Saud's portrait (Series II, 1956) are among the rarest items available to Gulf collectors. A 50-riyal note in VF condition sold for $6,000 at the Heritage Auction in 2022.

Note from the collector: Pounds bearing Idris's image from before 1960 are rarer than later issues. A 10-pound note in UNC condition fetched €7,500 at the 2023 Classic Coin auction.

Note from the collector: The Moroccan editions of Mohammed V are unique because their production period did not exceed three years. The 100 dirham edition from the first series (Mohammed V) is rare in the case of UNC and is in high demand among Moroccan collectors in the Gulf.

Note from the collector: The pre-independence dinar—the Gulf Indian rupee—is rarer than the Kuwaiti dinar itself. The complete set of the six series is a prime target for Kuwaiti collectors.

Note from the collector: Early Algerian banknotes are rare on the Western market because Algerian currency exchange remained local for decades. French currency auctions are the best source for finding classic Algerian dinars.

Note from the collector: The Gulf Rupee printed in Bombay in 1959 is one of the rarest currencies printed for the Gulf and is grouped with the Bahraini Dollar and the Qatari Dubai Riyal as the ”pre-Union trio”.

Note from the collector: The first (1973) and second (1976) series are distinguished by their reverse dial design—the former being simpler and the latter more elaborate. The 1000 dirham note from both issues is rare in UNC condition.

Note from the collector: The 50 Jordanian dinar edition from the third series (Portrait of Hussein the Great) is rarer than recent releases. The complete sequence of the first and second series is a classic target for Arab collectors.

Note from the collector: The 10 dinars in UNC condition are among the most sought-after items at auctions of rare Arab currency. The complete series of PDRY issues is an ambitious goal for collectors of Arab political history.

Note from the collector: Comparing the editions of the same category and year between the Egyptian and German printing houses is an interesting technical lesson — the differences in paper texture, engraving accuracy and security font width are clear under x5 magnification.

Note from the collector: Distinguishing between a Swiss dinar and a local dinar of the same denomination and design requires expertise: the paper is heavier and whiter, and the engraving is deeper in the Swiss dinar. The 100 dinar note with Saddam Hussein's early image (1987) is rare (UNC) due to confiscations.

Note from the collector: Kuwait also documented the details of the invasion and liberation in later publications. Pre-invasion Kuwaiti dinars (Series IV), most of which were destroyed after the invasion, are very rare in UNC condition.

Note from the collector: The first 2003–2004 issues of the new dinar were printed in Europe, and then the technology was gradually transferred — the differences in early and late printing are an interesting documentation.

Note from the collector: The complete sequence of Saudi currency series from Prince Saud (the first head of SAMA) to King Salman represents an exceptional design and technical journey spanning 70 years of Saudi currency.

Note from the collector: The 10-pound polymer coin from the first issue in UNC condition will have significantly higher documentary value in 20 years. Store it in a special polymer protective plastic pouch, as traditional paper cases can scratch the plastic surface.

Note from the collector: The UAE commemorative items issued on the occasion of COP28, EXPO2020 and annual national holidays form a collectible thematic collection with increasing value in the medium term.

Note from the collector: The Egyptian pound saw multiple printing presses during 2015–2022 between Giza, Germany and France — technical differences in issues of the same denomination are valuable documentation for those interested in the history of the Egyptian currency industry.

Note from the collector: The complete series of Bahraini dinar coins (series 1–4) is an ambitious Gulf target because the first series is rare and the fourth (modern) series is easier to collect. Gulf currency auctions in Dubai are the best source.

Note from the collector: The Omani Rial (before Qaboos), printed during the period of Omani isolation, is one of the most difficult Gulf coins to collect. The Omani domestic market is a better source than other Gulf markets.

Note from the collector: Qatari souvenirs are issued in large quantities relative to the population — look for hand-numbered editions kept in official binders issued by banks, as these will be of higher value.