❧ ✦ ❧
Encyclopedia of Historical Mints
Arab and Ottoman Currencies · 1800 – 2025 · Accurate documentation of coins, trademarks, and years of production
| The Mint and the Site | Countries and regions | Era and years of work | The Mint Mark | Currency produced (accurate documentation) | Historical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 Royal Mint London (until 1968) then Lantrezant, Wales ● Active since 886 AD | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia🇪🇬 Egypt🇮🇶 Iraq🇯🇴 Jordan🇰🇼 Kuwait🇧🇭 Bahrain🇶🇦 Qatar🇦🇪 UAE🇴🇲 Oman🇾🇪 Yemen/Aden🇵🇸 Palestine🇱🇾 Libya🇸🇩 Sudan |
Mandate 1920–1948
My kingdom 1920–1975
Talk 1961–Now
Palestine: 1927–1947 · Iraq: 1931–1967 · Jordan: 1949–present · Saudi Arabia: 1935–1980 · Kuwait: 1961–present · Bahrain: 1965–present · Libya: 1952–1965 · Sudan: 1956–1971
|
No sign On most historical versions
“L” On some post-1975 editions The emblem of the British Royal Crown on the proof pieces |
Saudi Arabia:
¼ · ½ · 1 silver riyal of Ibn Saud 1354 AH (1935)
½ · 1 Silver Riyal 1367 AH (1948) — Jointly minted with Philadelphia
1 · 2 · 4 copper piastres, 1356 AH
Saudi gold pound 1950
Iraq (Royal):
1 fils · 2 fils · 4 fils · 10 fils · 20 fils · 50 fils · 100 fils (1 dinar) 1931–1958
Palestine (Mandate):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 Mills, Copper and Silver 1927–1947
100 Mills (Palestinian Pound) Silver 1927–1942
Jordan:
1 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 fils · 100 fils (¼ dinar) 1949–present
Kuwait:
1 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 · 100 fils 1961–present
Libya (Kingdom):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 millimes · 1 pound 1952
Egypt (Royal — via Royal Mint):
Some denominations of piastres and millimes 1924–1936
Bahrain:
1 · 5 · 10 · 25 · 50 · 100 fils 1965–present
|
The oldest mint in history. The primary source of Arab currency throughout the 20th century. Its coins for Iraq and Palestine are among the most valuable collectibles on the world market. |
| 🇬🇧 Heaton Mint / The Mint, Birmingham Birmingham, England ● Closed 1981 | 🇪🇬 Egypt🇸🇩 SudanHijazWe find🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia🇮🇶 Iraq |
Ottoman 1885–1910
My kingdom 1918–1955
Ottoman/Khedival Egypt: 1885–1910 · Hejaz and Nejd: 1344–1346 AH · Saudi Arabia: 1344–1354 AH · Iraq: 1933–1938
|
“H” — A small letter next to the date or below the neck
One of the most important distinguishing features of British roles The letter “H” on Hejaz coins is one of the rarest and most valuable symbols. |
Egypt (Khedivellian/Sultanate):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 piastres copper/nickel 1885–1910 (H)
Hejaz and Najd:
1/4 · 1/2 · 1 Qirsh 1344 AH (1926) — First coins of Ibn Saud
Saudi Arabia (Establishment):
¼ · ½ · 1 Silver Riyal 1348–1354 AH (H)
Iraq (Royal):
1 · 2 · 4 · 8 copper fils 1933–1938 (H)
|
A respected private house. The letter “H” on the 1344 AH Hijazi riyal makes it one of the most valuable coins in the region for collectors. It was the first house to deal with the newly formed Saudi state. |
| 🇬🇧 Kings Norton Metal Co. Birmingham, England ● Closed 1962 | 🇵🇸 Palestine (Mandate)🇪🇬 Egypt |
Mandate 1927–1940
Palestine: 1927–1940 · Egypt: Some categories of 1917
|
“KN” — Two letters beside the date
Egypt 1917: A sign “H” With KN sometimes |
Palestine (British Mandate):
1 Bronze Mills 1927 (KN)
2 Bronze Mills 1927 (KN)
5 Mills Nickel 1927 (KN)
10 Mills Nickel 1927 (KN)
20 Mills Nickel 1927 (KN)
50 Mills Silver 1927 (KN)
Egypt:
10 Milliemes 1917 (H) — Co-production with Heaton
|
She contributed to the issuance of the first Palestinian Currency Board currency in 1927. The KN mark on Palestinian currency from 1927 is in high demand in the market and is sold at high prices. |
| 🇫🇷 Monnaie de Paris Paris (and since 2012: Pessac, Bordeaux) — the oldest active mint in the world, 864 AD ● Active | 🇲🇦 Morocco🇹🇳 Tunisia🇩🇿 Algeria🇲🇷 Mauritania🇱🇧 Lebanon🇸🇾 Syria🇩🇯 Djibouti🇰🇲 Comoros |
Sultani 1882–1912
Mandate 1920–1956
Talk 1956–Now
Morocco: 1882–present · Tunisia (Beylik): 1891–1956 · Lebanon: 1924–present · Syria: 1926–present · Algeria: 1949–1975 · Mauritania: 1973–present · Comoros: 1964–present · Djibouti: 1977–present
|
Historical: Cornucopia (Horn of Abundance) 🌾
Modern: Five-pointed star + Horn of Abundance Quality Guarantee: Head of an eagle (different graver) The letter “A” On some old Parisian pieces |
Morocco (Sultanate and Royal):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 50 Mazouna 1882–1912 (Sultan Hassan I then Abdul Aziz)
1/4 · 1/2 · 1 · 2/2 · 5 · 10 silver dirhams during the reign of Moulay Youssef 1913–1927
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 Francs 1921–1956
1 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 · 100 Modern Dirhams 1960–Present
Tunis (Beylik):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 25 · 50 · 100 millimes and half a franc and a franc 1891–1956
Lebanon (Mandate):
½ · 1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 25 piastres 1924–1955
Syria (Mandate):
½ · 1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 25 · 50 piastres 1926–1956
Algeria:
5 · 10 · 20 · 50 · 100 centimes 1964–1975
Mauritania:
1 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 ounces 1973–present
Comoros Islands:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 25 · 50 · 100 Francs 1964–Present
Djibouti:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 · 100 · 500 Francs 1977–Present
|
A key reference for French colonial currency in North Africa and the Levant. The Moroccan dirham is still produced entirely today. The silver dirham of Moulay Hassan I is among the most beautiful coins in the region. |
| 🇧🇪Monnaie Royale of Belgium Brussels, Belgium ● Active | 🇪🇬 Egypt (only Fuad I)🇮🇶 Iraq🇲🇦 Morocco |
My kingdom 1924–1944
Egypt (King Fuad I only): 1929–1936 · Iraq: 1938–1943 · Morocco: 1921–1945
Note: King Farouk's coins were not produced — these were produced by the Royal Mint and Heaton.
|
“BP” — Brussels Proof / Brussels Plant
The date appears on the edge of the piece or on the side. French and Dutch patterns sometimes appearing together on a single piece |
Egypt — King Fuad I (BP):
1 millime 1929 (BP)
2 millimes 1929 (BP)
5 millimes 1929 (BP)
10 millimes 1929 (BP)
2 piastres 1929 (BP)
5 silver piastres 1929 (BP)
10 silver piastres 1929 (BP)
20 silver piastres 1929 (BP)
50 silver piastres 1929 (BP)
Iraq (Royal):
1 · 2 · 4 · 10 fils 1938–1943
|
Its production for Egypt is limited to the reign of King Fuad I (1917–1936), not Farouk. The BP mark on Egyptian coins from 1929 is among the most sought-after. Egyptian coins with the BP mark are relatively rare and in high demand. |
| 🇺🇸 US Mint — Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States ● Active | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia🇸🇾 Syria🇾🇪 Mutawakkilite Yemen |
My kingdom 1945–1970
Saudi Arabia: 1367 AH (1947) and 1370 AH (1950) · Syria: 1947–1958 · Yemen: 1963
|
Without a mark On the basic versions
“P” Rarely on some pieces It is distinguished by the properties of the metal and the engraving technique from Royal Mint production. |
Saudi Arabia:
¼ silver riyal 1367 AH (1947)
½ silver riyal 1367 AH (1947)
1 silver riyal 1367 AH (1947) — millions of units
1 silver riyal 1370 AH (1950)
1 Saudi gold pound 1950 (Laurel test)
Syria (Independence):
½ · 1 · 2½ · 5 · 10 · 25 piastres 1947–1956
|
Millions of Saudi silver riyals were minted after World War II to meet Aramco's needs for paying workers' wages. Distinguishing between its production and Royal Mint's production of the Saudi riyal requires meticulous expertise in the surface finish of the edge. |
| 🇦🇹 Münze Österreich (Vienna Mint) Vienna, Austria — Founded 1194 AD ● Active | 🇪🇬 Egypt🇾🇪 Yemen🇴🇲 OmanHijazWe find🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia🇱🇾 Libya🇸🇩 Sudan |
Ottoman 1800–1918
Royal 1920–1970
Talk 1970–Now
Real Maria Theresa: 1741–present (ongoing) · Egypt (Khedival): 1885–1914
|
“A” — Wien (Old Vienna)
“SF” — Hall in Tirol (Historic Branch House) Real Maria Teresa: Always a historian 1780 Regardless of the actual minting year Austrian double-headed eagle emblem |
Real Maria Teresa (traded regionally):
Thaler Maria Theresa silver (28.07 g, 833‰) — minted continuously from 1741 dated 1780
Trading: Yemen, Oman, Hejaz, East Africa, Sudan, Libya until the 1950s
Egypt (Khedival/Sultanate):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 nickel piastres 1885–1914 (A)
Recent commemorative editions:
Commemorative gold and silver coins of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait
|
The Maria Theresa thaler is the longest-lived coin in history still in circulation. It was the official currency of Yemen, Oman, the Arabian Peninsula, and East Africa for two centuries. It is currently produced as an investment bullion with the historically engraved date 1780. |
| 🇮🇹 Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Status Rome, Italy — Founded 1928 ● Active | 🇱🇾 Libya🇸🇴 Somalia🇾🇪 Mutawakkilite Yemen |
Colonial/Royal 1929–1967
Libya (Italian colony): 1929–1952 · Somalia (trusteeship): 1950–1967 · Yemen (Imam Yahya): 1322–1367 AH
|
“R” — Roma · Appears on the edge or side of the date
|
Libya (Italian):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 Per (Centesimi) 1929–1941
¼ · ½ · 1 lira 1929–1941
Somalia (Italian Trusteeship):
1 5 10 50 sentimo 1950
½ · 1 Somali Silver 1950
Mutawakkilite Yemen (Imamate):
1/80 · 1/40 · 1/20 Riyal Baqliya 1322–1367 AH
½ · 1 · 2 · 4 piastres 1330–1350 AH
1 Imami silver riyal 1344–1367 AH
1 gold riyal, 1344 AH (very rare)
|
Imam Yahya Hamid al-Din sent missions to Rome to have his coins minted with elegant Islamic designs. The Imami riyal is among the most beautiful and highly valued classical Arab coins among Yemeni collectors. |
| 🇮🇳 Bombay Mint / Calcutta Mint / Lahore Mint Bombay (Mumbai) · Calcutta (Kolkata) · Lahore — British India ● Merged into the India Government Mint | 🇮🇶 Iraq🇰🇼 Kuwait🇧🇭 Bahrain🇶🇦 Qatar🇦🇪 Emirates of the Coast🇴🇲 Oman🇪🇬 Egypt |
Mandate 1920–1950
My kingdom 1930–1966
Gulf Rupee: 1897–1966 · Iraq (Fils): 1931–1953 · Egypt: World War I
|
Bombay: A period (•) or a symbol (◆) below the date — or a letter “B”
Calcutta: Mostly unmarked Lahore: character “L” Iraq specifically: character “I” (India) on some large fils denominations 1931–1953 The Bombay dot (•) on the Gulf rupee is one of the rarest Gulf currency symbols. |
Gulf Rupee — for Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the Emirates of the Coast:
1 · 2 · 4 Anna Nahas 1897–1947 (Bombay/Calcutta)
½ silver rupee — 1 silver rupee 1897–1947
Iraq (under mandate, then kingdom):
1 copper fils 1931 (I — India)
2 copper fils 1931 (I)
4 copper fils 1931 (I)
8 copper fils 1933 (I)
10 fils nickel 1931 (I)
20 fils nickel 1931 (I)
50 silver fils 1931 (I)
100 fils (dinar) silver 1932 (I)
Egypt (World War I — Currency Shortage):
5 · 10 · 20 Emergency Piastres 1916–1917 (B Bombay)
|
The Gulf rupee was the official currency of the Gulf Arab states before their independence. The letter “I” on the first Iraqi fils (1931) is considered one of the rarest symbols in the Levant region. |
| 🇨🇦 Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) Ottawa and Weepigh, Canada ● Active | 🇾🇪 South Yemen (PDRY)🇸🇩 Sudan🇦🇪 UAE🇱🇧 Lebanon |
Talk 1967–2000
South Yemen: 1971–1984 · Sudan: 1980–1990 · United Arab Emirates: 1973–1975
|
Maple leaf On the promenade
“C” On some commercial versions Without a mark on the mostly traded |
People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen):
1 · 5 · 10 · 25 · 50 fils 1971
250-500 fils (¼-½ dinar) — Arabian Oryx and Eagle Fees 1971-1984
Sudan:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 25 piasters 1980–1989
50 piasters · 1 pound 1985–1989
Emirates (first):
1 · 5 · 10 · 25 · 50 fils 1973 (Jointly with Swissmint)
1 dirham 1973
|
South Yemeni coins featuring animal motifs are among the most beautiful socialist Arab currencies. The Arabian oryx motif on the 1971 ¼ dinar is one of the most sought-after faces among Yemeni collectors. |
| 🇨🇭 Swissmint (Eidgenössische Münzstätte) Bern, Switzerland ● Active | 🇦🇪 UAE🇧🇭 Bahrain🇶🇦 Qatar🇰🇼 Kuwait |
Talk 1966–Now
Bahrain: 1965–1980 · Qatar: 1966–1978 · United Arab Emirates: 1973–1984
|
“B” — Bern · On some proof pieces only · Often circulated without a label
|
Bahrain (its first independent currency):
1 5 10 25 50 100 fils 1965 (B)
Qatar (Qatar and Dubai Riyal — joint venture with Dubai):
1 5 10 25 50 dirhams 1966 (B)
United Arab Emirates (established):
1 5 10 25 50 fils 1 dirham 1973 (B)
|
The company minted the founding issues for three Gulf states. The first Bahraini fils (1965) marked with a “B” was highly sought after as Bahrain’s first independent issue. The first Emirati dirham (1973) was produced in collaboration with RCM. |
| 🇨🇭 Valcambi SA Balerna, Canton of Ticino, Switzerland ● Active | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia🇦🇪 UAE🇧🇭 Bahrain🇶🇦 Qatar🇰🇼 Kuwait🇴🇲 Oman | Gold and silver commemorative 1980–present |
Valcambi logo Weight and purity of the alloy · Purity of 999.9‰ gold
|
Luxury commemorative bars and coins:
Saudi gold pound (ingot) — 7.988 grams of 917 purity gold
Commemorative gold and silver coins of the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman
CombiBar split alloys (new — sold in Gulf markets)
|
The world's largest bullion refinery (300 tons of gold annually). Its Swiss headquarters make it the top choice for Gulf royal courts for luxury commemorative coins. |
| 🇬🇧 Pobjoy Mint Ipsum, Surrey, Britain (privately owned) ● Active | 🇶🇦 Qatar🇦🇪 UAE🇰🇼 Kuwait🇴🇲 Oman🇧🇭 Bahrain | Memorial 1975–Now |
“PM” Or without a mark. Proof pieces bear a special certificate of authenticity.
|
Commemorative Proof Editions:
916 gold coins for Gulf national occasions
925 silver for anniversaries and accession anniversaries
Complete sets of certified documents for royal courts
|
Specializing exclusively in luxury corbel collections for palaces and royal courts in the Gulf. The highest quality engraving and polishing in the British commemorative coin market. |
| 🇩🇪 Stay in Munze Berlin Berlin, Germany ● Active | 🇪🇬 Egypt (Khedival)🇲🇦 Morocco |
Khedive 1885–1914
Memorial 1980–Now
Khedival Egypt: 1885–1910
|
“A” — Berlin · On the side of history
|
Egypt (Khedive Tawfiq and Abbas Hilmi II):
1/40 piaster (quarter millieme) copper 1885 (A)
1/20 piaster (half a millieme) 1885 (A)
1/10 piaster (millime) 1897–1910 (A)
2/10 piaster (2 millimes) 1904 (A)
1 nickel penny 1904 (A)
2 nickel piastres 1904 (A)
|
Small nickel coins were minted for the Egyptian Khedives. The letter “A” on the 1885 Egyptian milliemes distinguishes German production from British. Relatively rare compared to Heaton production. |
| 🇩🇪 Hamburgische Münze Hamburg, Germany ● Active | 🇩🇿 Algeria🇹🇳 Tunisia🇸🇩 Sudan🇾🇪 Yemen |
1960s–Now
Algeria (Independence): 1964–1990 · Tunisia: 1970–1985 · Sudan: 1971–1978
|
“J” — Hamburg · On the side of history or the edge
|
Algeria:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 cm Aluminum 1964 (J)
50 cents · 1 dinar nickel 1972 (J)
Tunisia:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 millimes 1960–1983 (J)
½ · 1 dinar 1968–1983 (J)
Sudan:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 millimes 1971–1978 (J)
|
A major source of aluminum and nickel coins for the Maghreb countries after independence. The letter “J” on the first Algerian centimes of 1964 is one of the most sought-after features. |
| 🇸🇰 Kremnica Mint (Mincovňa Kremnica) Kremnica, Slovakia — The oldest mint in Central Europe (1328 AD) ● Active | 🇪🇬 Egypt🇩🇿 Algeria🇹🇳 Tunisia🇲🇷 Mauritania |
1960s–Now
Algeria: 1964–1975 · Tunisia: 1960–1976 · Egypt: 1970–1980
|
“MK” — Mincovňa Kremnica · On the edge or side of history
|
Egypt:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 mm Aluminum 1972–1980 (MK)
5 · 10 piastres nickel 1972–1980 (MK)
Algeria:
1 · 2 · 5 cm Aluminum 1964–1975 (MK)
Tunisia:
1 · 2 · 5 mm Aluminum 1960–1976 (MK)
|
It was the preferred mint for Eastern Bloc countries and those with ties to them for minting their cheap coins in denominations of aluminum and copper. |
| 🇰🇷 KOMSCO — Korea Mining, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. Dajeon, South Korea ● Active | 🇱🇾 Libya🇩🇿 Algeria🇪🇬 Egypt |
Talk 2005–Now
Libya: 2009–present · Algeria: 2005–present · Egypt: 2008–present
|
Without an external mark — known by the properties of the metal and the high-precision automated drilling technique
|
Libya:
50 dirhams (half a piaster) plated steel 2009
100 dirhams (1 piaster) plated steel 2009
1/4 · 1/2 · 1 Dinar Copper/Nickel Plated Steel 2009
Algeria:
5, 10, 20, 50 cm coated steel 2005–present
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 · 100 Bimetallic Dinar 2010–Present
Egypt:
25 piasters, plated steel, 2008
50 Piastres Steel Coated 2008
1 pound nickel-plated steel 2008–present
|
It has won major contracts to mint the daily currency currently circulating in Libya, Algeria, and Egypt. It features bimetallic coating technology at competitive prices. |
| 🇳🇱 Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt Utrecht, Netherlands ● Active | 🇦🇪 UAE🇧🇭 Bahrain🇪🇬 Egypt | Talk 1970–Now |
Historical: Hermes' caduceus 🐍
Modern: Little Dutch Knight “U” or “D” On some versions |
United Arab Emirates (transitional editions):
Some denominations of the dirham 1984–1988
Bahrain (Memorial):
Various commemorative silver and gold coins
|
Hermes played a minor role in Arab production, but it is distinguished by its historical brand. It contributed to the transitional currency of the UAE between the 1970s and 1980s. |
| 🇿🇦 South African Mint Pretoria, South Africa ● Active | 🇸🇩 Sudan🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (Souvenir) |
Talk 1981–Now
Sudan: 1981–1990 · Miscellaneous gold commemorative coins
|
South African eagle emblem · Without a mark on the mostly traded
|
Sudan:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 Steel Penny 1983–1989
25 · 50 piasters nickel/steel 1985–1989
1 Sudanese Pound 1987
|
An expert in gold alloys (Krugerrand). Sudan contracted with her during the currency crisis of the 1980s to mint the Sudanese pound and its copper and steel denominations. |
| 🇹🇷 Darphane-i Âmire — Ottoman Mint Constantinople (Istanbul), Ottoman Empire ● Closed 1923 (became the modern Turkish House) | HijazWe find🇮🇶 Iraq🇸🇾 Syria🇱🇧 Lebanon🇵🇸 Palestine🇯🇴 Jordan🇪🇬 Egypt🇱🇾 Libya🇹🇳 Tunisia🇾🇪 Yemen |
Ottoman Caliphate 1300–1923 AD
Abdulmejid I's reform of 1844: Unification of currency (piastre + gold lira) · Last issue: 1918
|
The tughra: The Sultan's handwritten signature is in the center of the piece — the primary identifier
“Constantinople” In Arabic, on the edge or back of the piece Seat number (year of the Sultan's accession) + Hijri year No letter symbol — the tughra is the symbol |
The main currencies of the Arab states:
Akka / Manqur / Bara Copper — Everyday Small Items
silver piastre (Kuruş) — the basic unit of exchange
Twenty silver piastres (Yermik piastres)
Majidi silver (20 piastres) — Abdulmejid I 1844–1861
Abdi Fadda — Abdul Hamid II 1876–1909
½ · 1 · 2½ · 5 · 10 · 25 silver piastres
25 · 50 · 100 · 250 · 500 piastres gold lira
Golden Rashadiyya — Muhammad V 1909–1918
World War I coins: Nickel and iron instead of silver
|
The original source of all Arab state currency for six centuries. The Ottoman tughra is an unparalleled artistic mark in world currency. The Ottoman gold lira remains one of the most sought-after Arab collectibles. |
| Dar Misr — Cairo (Bulaq) Cairo (Bulaq), Egypt ● Historical — The house was reopened in a modern form | 🇪🇬 Egypt (Ottoman then Muhammad Ali) |
Ottoman/Alawi 1517–1882 AD
Ottoman conquest: 1517 CE (Selim I) · Muhammad Ali: 1223–1264 AH · Relative pause with reliance on Europe: 1882 CE
|
“"Egypt"” In Arabic on the piece — the house's sole symbol
After Muhammad Ali: The inscription “Struck in Egypt” sometimes Local currency: sometimes without a clear mark |
The Ottoman era:
Para · Medya · Silver Qirsh 1517–1798 AD (Egypt)
Muhammad Ali and his successors:
1 · 5 · 10 · 20 silver piastres 1223–1264 AH (Egypt)
5 gold piastres (a quarter of a mejidieh) for the Egyptian governors
Local copper coins of various denominations
|
A pivotal institution produced Egyptian currency for four centuries. The coins of Muhammad Ali (1223 AH) bearing the word "Egypt" are among the finest coins of the transitional period and are highly sought after in Egyptian collectors' markets. |
| Dar al-Makkah al-Mukarramah Mecca, Hejaz ● Closed (19th century) | Hejaz (Sharifian/Ottoman) |
Sharifi/Osmani 1813–1916 AD
The coins of Sharif Hussein bin Ali: 1334–1336 AH (1916–1918 AD)
|
“"Mecca"” In Arabic on the face of the piece
Sharif Hussein's coins: without explicitly mentioning "Mecca" — inferred from the design |
Coins of Sharif Hussein bin Ali (The Great Arab Revolt):
½ copper piaster 1334 AH (1916)
1 copper piaster, 1334 AH (1916)
1/8 · 1/4 · 1/2 · 1 silver piaster 1334–1336 AH
20 silver piastres, 1334 AH (very rare)
|
The coins of Sharif Hussein, minted in 1334 AH (1916 CE), are among the rarest and most valuable Arab coins. They were minted during the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottomans using rudimentary equipment. A silver 20-piastre coin from this series can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. |
| Tunisian Mint (Beylik) Tunis, Ottoman Eyalet of Tunis ● It was discontinued in 1891 in favor of Monnaie de Paris | 🇹🇳 Tunisia (Beylik) |
Ottoman / Beylik 1574–1891 AD
Notable production: Beer, Réasi, and Sharks 1704–1881
|
“"Tunisia"” In Arabic + the name of the bay
Bilingual inscriptions: Arabic + Ottoman Turkish No letter marker — the name of the owner is the identity |
Bayat Al Hussein:
Bourbe (copper pipe) — smallest class
Nasri (Nasri) Brass
Beer (Bure) small silver
Riyal (Silver) — Main Unit
2 · 3 · 4 · 8 · 16 Silver Riyals
Eight (Thmania) = 8 large silver riyals
Doublon / Sultani Gold
Ottoman coins with a distinctive Tunisian style, 1847–1881
|
Tunisia enjoyed a degree of monetary independence from the Ottoman Empire. The Tunisian silver eight is among the largest and most beautiful Arab coins of the 18th century. The name and inscription of the Bey precisely identify the issue. |
| Baghdad Mint (Ottoman) Baghdad, Ottoman province of Baghdad ● Closed around 1820 AD | 🇮🇶 Iraq (Baghdad Province) |
Ottoman 1534–1820 AD
It reached its peak during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1534 AD after the conquest of Baghdad.
|
“"Baghdad"” In Arabic on the face of the piece
“Basra” Basra Mint (Rare Branch) |
Baghdad Province:
Akçe (small silver coin) 1534–1700 AD (Baghdad)
Para, brass, 1700–1820 AD (Baghdad)
Qirsh (Kuruş) silver 1700–1820 AD (Baghdad)
Basra Province (rare):
Bars and coins stamped with the “Basra” seal — extremely rare
|
Ottoman coins from Baghdad are among the rarest to find in the Iraqi market. They can be distinguished from those from Constantinople by the inscribed word "Baghdad." Coins from Basra are even rarer and almost entirely absent from public markets. |
| Tripoli Mint (Ottoman) Tripoli, Tripoli Province ● Closed in 1912 (Italian invasion) | 🇱🇾 Libya (Tripoli) |
Ottoman 1700–1912 AD
Limited production for local markets: 1800–1912 AD
|
“Tripoli” In Arabic
Very rare: “Tripoli” in Ottoman inscription The number of internationally documented pieces does not exceed a few hundred. |
Rare local editions:
Local copper bars 1800–1850 AD (Tripoli)
Silver coin with the seal of Tripoli, 1850–1890 AD
Small categories for local markets only — not exported
|
One of the rarest Arab mints. Its limited production, solely for the Tripolitanian market, meant its coins were almost entirely absent from global markets. The presence of "Tripoli" on an Ottoman piastre significantly increased its value. |
| 🇪🇬 Egyptian Mint Authority — Cairo (Modern) Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt ● Active | 🇪🇬 Egypt🇸🇾 Syria (Unity)🇾🇪 Yemen (1962 Revolution) |
Republican 1952–present
Republic of Egypt: 1953–present · UAR (Egypt + Syria): 1958–1961 · Yemen Revolution: 1963
|
National production 100% — No external brand
Distinction: Egyptian Eagle + Official Name On the prosthesis: “The Mint Authority – Egypt” |
United Arab Republic (UAR 1958–1961):
1 · 5 · 10 mm Aluminum/Bronze 1960
5 · 10 · 20 · 25 · 50 silver piastres 1958–1961
1 gold pound 1960 (with a picture of Cairo)
Egypt, the Republic:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 milliemes and piastres — Successive series 1954–present
25 · 50 piastres · 1 pound · 1 silver pound — Circulating and commemorative
Yemen (1962 Revolution — Minted in Cairo):
½ · 1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 25 Yemeni fils/piaster 1963
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The coins of the United Arab Republic (UAR) bearing the Nasserite eagle of Quraish are among the most beautiful and famous Arab currencies of the 20th century. Egypt minted the first coins of the Yemeni revolution in 1963 in support of Gamal Abdel Nasser. |
| 🇲🇦 Royal Moroccan Mint (SAECPM) Rabat, Morocco — Established 1987 ● Active | 🇲🇦 Morocco |
Talk 1987–Now
It became independent from Monnaie de Paris in 1987 for fully local production.
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pentagram Moroccan (the kingdom's emblem) in the back field sometimes
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The modern Moroccan dirham (locally produced):
1 · 5 · 10 · 20 cm Aluminum/Nickel 1987–Present
¼ · ½ · 1 · 2 · 5 · 10 Dirhams Bimetallic 1987–Present
Gold and silver commemorative coins for royal occasions
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It is one of the most technologically advanced Arab mints. It produces the Moroccan dirham entirely locally and exports its expertise to sub-Saharan African countries. |
| 🇹🇳 Tunisian Company for the Manufacture of Currency Exchange (BCT Mint) Tunisia, the Tunisian Republic — Established 1958 ● Active | 🇹🇳 Tunisia |
Republican 1958–present
The Tunisian dinar: 1958–present. Some denominations are produced locally, the rest under contract with Monnaie de Paris and Hamburg.
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No label for local production. The foreign company is tracked on the contracted party.
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The Tunisian dinar and its denominations:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 · 100 · 200 millimes 1960–present
½ · 1 · 5 dinars 1968–present
Souvenirs of the ruins of Carthage and historical cities
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The Tunisian dinar was established in 1958, immediately after independence. The Tunisian antiquities and marine life series of the 1970s are among the finest in the region. |
| 🇮🇶 Iraqi Mint — Baghdad Baghdad, Republic of Iraq — Established 1979 ● Active (suspended 1990–2003 due to sanctions) | 🇮🇶 Iraq |
Talk 1981–Now
Circulating categories: 1981–1990 · Return: 2004–present
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No external branding; the Iraqi eagle logo identifies local production.
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Money and Dinars, Phase One:
1 5 10 25 50 100 fils 1981–1990 (local)
¼ · ½ · 1 dinar nickel 1981–1990
After 2003 — Royal Mint and RCM are contracted:
25 · 50 · 100 · 250 Steel Dinars 2004–Present
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It was established to achieve monetary independence. The 1990 international embargo halted domestic production. The new Iraqi dinar (2004) was issued by the Royal Mint as an emergency measure following the invasion. |
| 🇵🇸 Palestine Currency Board — Palestinian Monetary Council London (Release Authority) · Birmingham and Oxford (Production) ● It ended with the end of the Mandate in 1948. | 🇵🇸 Palestine (British Mandate) |
Mandate 1927–1947
Palestinian Pound: 1927–1947 · Last issue: Mills 1947 · Production companies: Royal Mint + Heaton + Kings Norton
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Markings of the role produced on the piece:
No tag = Royal Mint (most) “H” Heaton Mint (rare and in demand) “KN” Kings Norton (very rare) Inscription: Trilingual (Arabic + Hebrew + English) — Unique in the history of criticism |
The complete series of the Palestinian pound:
1 Mills Bronze 1927–1946
2 Mills Bronze 1927–1946
5 Mills Nickel 1927–1944
10 Mills Nickel 1927–1946
20 Mills Nickel 1927–1944
50 Mills Silver (0.720) 1927–1942
100 mils (= one-tenth pound) silver 1927–1942
100 Mills Aluminum-Bronze 1942–1947 (due to a shortage of silver)
250 mils (¼ pound) silver 1927–1940
500 mils (½ pound) silver 1927–1940
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The most valuable and globally sought-after Arab currency. The 1927 Palestinian pound marked with the H (Heaton) has fetched prices exceeding $50,000 at specialized auctions. Its trilingual inscription makes it unique in all of monetary history. |
| 🇯🇴 Monetary Authority / Central Bank of Jordan Amman (in full contract with Royal Mint) ● Active | 🇯🇴 Jordan |
Hashemite monarchy 1949–present
Jordanian Dinar: 1949–Present · Permanent Producer: Royal Mint
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Unmarked (Royal Mint does not mark Jordanian currency) · The King's name and the Hashemite emblem are the primary identifier
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Hashemite dinars and coins:
1 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 25 · 50 · 100 fils 1949–Present (Royal Chains: Talal · Hussein · Abdullah II)
¼ · ½ · 1 bimetallic dinar (modern)
Souvenirs of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque — its most famous commemorative publications
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The centennial issues of the Great Arab Revolt and the Jerusalem issues were distinguished by their exceptional beauty. Coins from the reign of King Hussein bin Talal (1953–1999) are among the most highly collected in the region. |
| 🇱🇧🇸🇾 Bank of Lebanon / Central Bank of Syria Beirut/Damascus (in contract with Monnaie de Paris and US Mint) ● Active | 🇱🇧 Lebanon🇸🇾 Syria |
French Mandate 1924–1943
Talk 1943–Now
Lebanese Pound: 1924–Present · Syrian Pound: 1926–Present
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Monnaie de Paris: Horn of Abundance (Main Producer)
US Mint Philadelphia: The letter “P” — Some editions of Syria Independence 1947–1956 |
Lebanon (French Mandate):
½ 1 2 5 10 25 piastres 1924–1955 (Monnaie de Paris)
Syria (Mandate and Independence):
½ · 1 · 2½ · 5 · 10 · 25 · 50 piastres 1926–1968
Some of the 1947–1956 series were produced by Philadelphia Mint (P)
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Both the Lebanese and Syrian lira are permanent publications of the Monnaie de Paris. The Syrian issues from Philadelphia (1947–1956) are marked with the letter “P” and are sought after by collectors in the Middle East. |
| 🇸🇩 Central Bank of Sudan — Sudanese Pound Khartoum (through contracts with multiple countries) ● Active | 🇸🇩 Sudan |
Egyptian-British Mandate 1899–1956
Talk 1956–Now
Sudanese Pound: 1956–1992 · Sudanese Dinar: 1992–2007 · New Pound: 2007–Present
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Historical producers: Royal Mint (no label) · South African Mint · RCM (C) · Hamburg (J)
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The Sudanese pound (Independence series):
½ · 1 · 2 · 5 · 10 piastres 1956–1980 (Royal Mint)
25 · 50 piasters · 1 pound nickel/steel 1976–1989
Rare Animals Series (1970s — Very Rare):
¼ pound (African elephant) · ½ pound (giraffe) · 1 pound (rhinoceros)
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The series of Sudanese animal coins from the 1970s is among the most beautiful and rarest in Africa. The elephant, giraffe, and rhinoceros depicted on Sudanese currency fetch high prices at international auctions. |
| 🇸🇴🇩🇯🇰🇲 Somalia / Djibouti / Comoros Mogadishu / Djibouti / Moroni — By contract with international partners ● Active (variable) | 🇸🇴 Somalia🇩🇯 Djibouti🇰🇲 Comoros |
1960s–Now
Somalia: Istituto Roma then Royal Mint; Djibouti and Comoros: Monnaie de Paris
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The producing house follows: “R” (Rome) · Horn of Abundance (Paris) · No Mark (Royal Mint)
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Somalia (Italian Trusteeship → Independence):
1 · 5 · 10 · 50 centimo 1950 (R — Rome)
½ · 1 Somalo (Somalo) Silver 1950 (R)
1 5 10 50 cents 1 shilling 1967 (Royal Mint)
Djibouti (Monnaie de Paris):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 · 100 · 500 Francs 1977–Present
Comoros Islands (Monnaie de Paris):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 25 · 50 · 100 Francs 1964–Present
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The first Somali shilling of 1950, marked with an “R” (Rome), is one of the most beautiful coins of the Horn of Africa. The Comoros and Djibouti rely entirely on the Monnaie de Paris for all their currency issues. |
| 🇲🇷 Central Bank of Mauritania — Ouguiya Nouakchott (in contract with Monnaie de Paris and Kremnica) ● Active | 🇲🇷 Mauritania | Talk 1973–Now |
The producing house follows · Ounce: a unit not divisible by 10 (but 5 one-fifth — a unique system)
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Mauritanian Ouguiya:
1/5 ounce (one-fifth) aluminum 1973
1 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 oz Nickel/Steel 1973–Present
100 · 500 oz Bimetallic (New)
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The Mauritanian ouguiya is one of the most unusual currencies in the Arab world in terms of its unit of division (one-fifth, not cent). It was established in 1973 independently of the CFA franc. |
| 🇾🇪 People's Democratic Republic of Yemen — South Yemeni Dinar Aden (in partnership with Royal Canadian Mint and Royal Mint) ● It ended with Yemeni unification in 1990. | 🇾🇪 South Yemen (PDRY) |
Socialist Republic 1967–1990
First edition: 1971 · Last edition: 1984 · Producer: RCM + Royal Mint
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Unmarked for circulation · Maple leaf (RCM) on some proof
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The fils and the southern dinar:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 25 Fils Aluminum/Bronze 1971
50 fils nickel (Arabian Maha) 1971
250 fils (¼ dinar) nickel (eagle and palm tree) 1976
500 fils (½ dinar) silver (Arabian Oryx) 1971 — Commemorative
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The Arabian oryx motif on South Yemeni coins is among the most beautiful animal designs in modern Arab currency. The 1971 South Yemeni silver dinar is one of the most prominent commemorative coins of the socialist Arab states. |
| 🇩🇿 Bank of Algeria — Algerian Dinar Algiers (in contract with multiple foreign houses) ● Active | 🇩🇿 Algeria |
Republican 1964–present
Producers: Monnaie de Paris · Kremnica · Hamburg · KOMSCO · Algerian publishing house (some categories)
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The producing house is: Horn of Abundance (Paris) · MK (Kremnitzka) · J (Hamburg) · Unmarked (KOMSCO)
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The Algerian dinar (successive series):
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 cm Aluminum 1964 (Kremnica + Hamburg)
50 cents · 1 dinar nickel 1972 (Hamburg)
Endangered Animals Series (Barbary Leopard, Deer): 5, 10, 20 Dinars 1972 (Monnaie de Paris) — Rare
¼ · 1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 · 100 Dinar Bimetallic 1992–Present (KOMSCO + Local)
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The series on endangered Algerian animals (Monnaie de Paris, 1972) is among the finest works published about the Maghreb. The Barbary leopard on the 1972 5 dinar note is one of the most prominent pieces in the Algerian souk. |
| 🇱🇾 Central Bank of Libya — Libyan Currency Tripoli (in contract with international partners) ● Active | 🇱🇾 Libya |
Kingdom 1952–1969
Jamahiriya/Hadith 1969–Present
Royal Libyan Pound: 1952–1969 (Royal Mint) · Libyan Dinar: 1975–Present (Multiple Circulations)
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Producers: Royal Mint (no brand) · Istituto Roma (R) · KOMSCO (no brand)
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Libyan Royal Mint:
1 · 2 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 mm Bronze/Nickel 1952
100 milliemes (1/10 pound) nickel 1952
1 Libyan pound silver coin, 1952 — Rare
Libyan Dinar (Jamahiriya):
1 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 50 · 100 dirhams (1/1000 dinar) 1975–present
¼ · ½ · 1 dinar 2001 (KOMSCO)
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The first Libyan Royal Pound (1952), bearing the image of King Idris al-Sanusi, is among the most beautiful and rarest coins of the Moroccan monarchy. This 1952 Libyan silver pound is rare and commands high prices. |
No matching results were found. Try other keywords.
The era:
Ottoman/Caliphate
Mandate/Colonialism
Royal/Sultanic
Modern/Republican
Revolutionary/Special
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Important signs:
H = Heaton · KN = Kings Norton · BP = Brussels · I = India (Bombay) · MK = Kremnica · J = Hamburg · R = Rome · B = Bern/Berlin · A = Vienna/Berlin · P = Philadelphia
