Mazen Mira

The Arab collector…a decade of excellence and creativity

In March 2016, a simple idea was born in the minds of two dedicated collectors from the Arab community in Australia: to provide Arab collectors with a reliable source of knowledge, a recognized scientific reference, and a platform that would unite their diverse interests, from rare coins to historical stamps. Today, after ten remarkable years, we celebrate in our twenty-third issue an exceptional journey during which…

Who is best at grading coins?

When it comes to coin grading and appraisal, two names stand out in the industry: PCGS and NGC. While both companies are reputable and widely used by coin and numismatic collectors in general, there are differences between them that can affect the grading process, pricing, and overall experience. In this article, we will discuss…

Encyclopedia and Catalog of Egyptian Money

The Encyclopedia and Catalog of Egyptian Currencies is a comprehensive series of books documenting Egyptian coins and banknotes. It was published by Engineer Magdi Hanafi to compile information on modern Egyptian currency, both metal and paper, and is considered the largest specialized scientific encyclopedia on the subject of Egyptian currency. Engineer Magdi has managed to write, in precise chronological order, everything related to the currencies…

Amateur Encyclopedia of Banknotes – Kings and Leaders

A unique documentation of the history of leaders and kings through banknotes: Lebanese researcher and collector Wissam Youssef, holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of banknotes in the world, has published a bilingual (Arabic and English) encyclopedia entitled: “The Amateur Encyclopedia of Banknotes – Kings and Leaders.” This encyclopedic work spans 400 pages and provides comprehensive documentation of banknotes that bore the images of…

The Palestinian pound in Cyprus in 1942: The story of a currency that crossed the sea

In 1942, during World War II, Cyprus experienced a unique monetary event: the adoption of the Palestinian pound as temporary legal tender. This decision stemmed from a liquidity crisis facing the island, prompting the British authorities to take the unusual step of extending the use of another colony's currency. Historically, the Palestinian pound was the official currency in…

Forgotten Collectors: The Rise of Numismatic Research in the Arab World

— a region that boasts a numismatic legacy stretching back over a millennium, encompassing Islamic caliphates, colonial transitions, and modern statehood. Despite its deep historical relevance, Arab numismatics has struggled for recognition within global academic circles and mainstream collector platforms. However, over the past decade, a quiet but determined movement has been changing that narrative. …

Ibrahim Salem Banknote Collection

Engineer Ibrahim Salem's collection of banknotes continues to amaze collectors worldwide. Salem specializes in acquiring and acquiring the rarest and most important banknotes globally, and particularly within the Arab world. Heritage Auctions in Dallas is preparing to offer a new batch from Salem's renowned collection…

The hobby of collecting wristwatches

Wristwatches: A Long History and Illustrious Names. Collecting wristwatches is a passion shared by many around the world for centuries. This hobby is not simply about owning a timepiece; it transcends that to become a symbol of refined taste, history, and cutting-edge technology. Over time, wristwatches have become an essential part of fashion and personality, and sometimes represent a long-term investment.

Encyclopedia of Egyptian Currencies and New Dimensions in Currency Valuation

In a significant step that enhances the credibility of coin grading, the Encyclopedia of Egyptian Coins by Engineer Magdy Hanafy was recently recognized by the global grading companies PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and PMG (Paper Money Guaranty®). This recognition underscores the encyclopedia's important role in the world of coins and strengthens the confidence of enthusiasts and investors in the valuations it provides. The Encyclopedia of Egyptian Coins…

Encyclopedia of Egyptian Protocol

During a special event, Engineer Magdy Hanafy announced the release of his latest book, "Encyclopedia of Egyptian Ceremonies," at a seminar on Saturday, December 16, 2023. Attendees were welcomed, and a presentation was given introducing the encyclopedia and its contents. The seminar included a question-and-answer session with the author and a book signing. The encyclopedia contains information on…

Currency of the Imamate of Oman

Reviving the Egyptian Mint

The Ottoman governor Ibrahim Pasha al-Qabtan established the first Egyptian mint, or as it was known, the Darbkhana (minthouse), in the Citadel between his mosque and palace in 1709 AD (1121 AH). It remained in existence until it was renovated by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1812 AD (1227 AH). He continued to patronize it, ordering its expansion and the addition of areas for scales, gold testing, and a prayer room…

The idea of issuing a 500 pound banknote

Did you know that the Egyptian government considered issuing a 500-pound banknote a long time ago but changed its mind due to rumors about the economy? The idea for a new banknote dates back to 2004 when engineer Magdi Hanafi, a historian of Egyptian currency, met with the then-governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, Farouk El-Okda, during an event honoring him at the bank…

Nubnefer, an Egyptian coin from the last Egyptian pharaoh

A gold coin of King Nectanebo II, known as the “Nubnefer“ coin, was recently offered at Spink Auctions on April 3, 2023. Nectanebo II was the third and last king of the Thirtieth Dynasty, as well as the last native ruler of ancient Egypt. He reigned for 10 years between 360 and 342 BC before being overthrown by the Ptolemies. The Nubnefer coin – the first…

Khedive Tawfiq and the reform of the Egyptian currency in 1885

The reform of the Egyptian currency in 1885 was a turning point in the history of Egypt. Under Khedive Tawfiq, the country faced financial collapse and war. Internal conditions in Egypt deteriorated after he assumed power, with financial problems being the root cause of Egypt's decline and the origin of foreign intervention. For any effective control over Egyptian affairs, the first and most necessary step was…

Palestinian Currency Museum

The Virtual Museum of Palestinian Currency is a free, interactive online museum documenting images and information about Palestinian currency, particularly coins, during the British Mandate period from 1927 to 1947. Launched in September 2020, the museum features images, documents, excerpts from official newspapers and magazines, and other documentary materials. The virtual exhibits allow users to view…

Sultan Fuad's 1920 Riyal: Between Fact and Fiction

What is the truth about the Sultan Fuad riyal? Why is it considered one of the rarest Egyptian currencies, if not the rarest of all? And how possible is it to acquire this riyal? Despite the scarcity of historical sources about this issue and the mystery surrounding that period, to answer these questions we must travel back more than a hundred years in an attempt…

Palestinian banknotes and negative templates

How to print banknotes: Printing banknotes involves complex and precise steps. This process is attributed to skilled engineers and craftsmen who operate large printing presses for long and arduous hours to print paper money in large bundles. These bundles are then cut using a special machine similar to a guillotine and distributed to banks. Special papers made of cotton or polymer and special inks are used…

History of polymer banknotes in Arab countries

History and Advantages of Polymer Banknotes: Australia was the first country to print banknotes made of polymer, or what has become known in the media as "plastic banknotes," in early 1988, when it began printing 5, 10, and 20 Australian dollar denominations. Among the advantages of polymer banknotes is their durability and significantly longer lifespan compared to paper money; they can…

Qatari banknotes break records

Some Qatari banknotes broke records at a recent auction held by Spink International Auction House at its New York office on January 14, 2023. The auction featured an unparalleled collection of samples and models of Qatari banknotes dating back to 1979. These banknote samples and models consisted of multiple images of each…

The Arab National Exhibition in Jerusalem

If an Arab tourist were to tour the Arab countries, diligently studying the economic conditions, traversing every tangible architectural landscape, and observing the evolution of minds and spirits, he would not be able to arrive at a comprehensive and all-encompassing picture like this magnificent, diverse, and multifaceted one known as the "First Arab Exhibition" in Jerusalem today. This is an excerpt from the opening words of a special report in the magazine…

French Egyptian Bank

What were the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the French-Egyptian Bank?… And how did Egypt come to own half of the Eiffel Tower in France? The Ottoman and Egyptian public debt: The Ottoman state budget experienced its greatest turmoil throughout its history due to the Crimean War, when the Ottoman state took out its first loan from European financiers to finance its war effort. Between 1854 and 1879, the Ottomans took out 18 loans totaling…

Egyptian brands and coupons

The fourth volume of the Encyclopedia and Catalog of Egyptian Currencies by Engineer Magdy Hanafy, titled "Egyptian Marks and Coupons," was recently published. The book comprises fifteen chapters, and we will provide a brief overview of each. About the Encyclopedia: The Encyclopedia and Catalog of Egyptian Currencies is a comprehensive series of books documenting Egyptian coins and banknotes. It was published by…

Egyptian coin design crisis

Where have the ideas for Egyptian coin designs gone? Why don't we acknowledge that there's a crisis in Egyptian coin design? And why isn't there a link between the Mint and creative artists to resolve this coin design crisis? We don't believe any Egyptian artist would object to the Egyptian coin design crisis if a government entity had signed an agreement…

Encyclopedia of Syrian Currencies

The Encyclopedia of Syrian Currency, focusing on banknotes, is an important documentary work examining banknotes issued in Syria from the beginning of the last century to the present day. Author's Profile: Name: Adnan Jarwa. Adnan Jarwa was born in Aleppo on April 25, 1945, to a prominent Aleppan family. While engaged in his business activities, he became interested in Syrian currency and its study in 1997…

Gresham's Law of Currency

What is Gresham's Law, and how does bad money drive out good money? There is indeed an economic law called Gresham's Law, which can be summarized as follows: "Bad money drives out good money." To better understand this law and its current applications, it is crucial to examine its origins and the circumstances surrounding its creation. Thomas Gresham was born Sir...

Royal Christmas commemorative coins

What is the truth behind the commemorative coins issued on King Farouk's birthday? It is well known to many researchers and enthusiasts that the fourth issue of the five-pound Egyptian note was the first Egyptian banknote to feature the image of the ruler of that denomination. However, in February 1947, the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram published an article titled "Banknotes…"

Money for the siege of Khartoum

You may have wondered about those banknotes issued during the Siege of Khartoum, known as the "Khartoum Siege" currency, during the British campaign in Sudan. Let's take a trip down memory lane to uncover the story and truth behind those banknotes. A brief historical overview of the Siege of Khartoum in the late 19th century, a time when the British Empire stretched across the globe, becoming known as the empire on which the sun never sets…

Egyptian currency of 1938 and the state of confusion

What Egyptian currencies were not issued in 1938, and why was there such political and economic turmoil during this period? Cairo – February 1937, where our story begins. At that time, the Ministry of Finance announced the minting of Egyptian currency in the name of His Majesty King Farouk I, and the news was conveyed to the Royal Court in preparation for authorizing the representative of the Mint in Birmingham to proceed with the minting…

The first issue of Egyptian paper currency

When was the first issue of Egyptian banknotes put into circulation? And were they actually in circulation from the moment they were issued? An introduction to the first issue of Egyptian banknotes: While reading the new volume of Engineer Magdi Hafiz's book, "Encyclopedia and Catalog of Egyptian Currencies – Egyptian Banknotes," I came across Chapter Five, which details the circulation of the first issue of Egyptian banknotes, and which is considered…

Egyptian polymer banknotes…when will they be issued?

Egyptians are eagerly awaiting the release of new polymer banknotes in denominations of 10 and 20 Egyptian pounds. This marks the second or third time these banknotes have been expected to be introduced, initially last November, but no action has yet been taken to bring them into circulation. It appears that Egypt is aiming to become the fourth Arab country to issue a banknote made of…

100 years since Egypt's independence

What were the political circumstances surrounding Egypt's independence? And how did this affect its culture? A historical background: Today marks the centenary of Egypt's declaration of independence from the British protectorate, which was imposed on Egypt on December 18, 1914, following the outbreak of World War I and the establishment of the Kingdom of Egypt. After the war ended, several nationalist movements emerged in Egypt, calling for an end to…

Theft of Syrian currency

Our article today takes place in the port of Alexandria, Egypt, specifically in February 1921. It is a special investigation, the details of which were published in Al-Ahram newspaper on February 24, 1921. The article does not reflect the opinion of Al-Muqtani Al-Arabi magazine or the source of the investigation. A major financial theft occurred, and Syria needed currency in general, and banknotes in particular, to improve its situation…

Bank banknotes

Al-Ahram, January 14, 1899: A news item published in Al-Ahram newspaper in January 1899 stated that during a visit by an Al-Ahram correspondent to the National Bank of Egypt, the bank's governor, Sir Elwyn Palmer, showed him the banknotes that the bank was going to issue. The correspondent mentioned that they had beautiful designs, including a drawing of the Sphinx for fifty piasters and a drawing of a camel for one hundred piasters…

Egyptian commemorative coins that never saw the light of day

Are there Egyptian commemorative coins that never saw the light of day? Of course, there are Egyptian and Arab commemorative coins that we haven't seen and that never progressed beyond the design stage. However, while reviewing newspaper archives, we came across some articles that prompted us to consider two such coins that were announced in a major Egyptian newspaper, one of which was even approved by the Egyptian Cabinet, yet we never saw them.

The truth about the Egyptian half millieme, issue of 1916

Is there an Egyptian half-millime coin issued in 1916? Information about numismatics sometimes comes to mind quickly, and one such piece of information is the issuance of a half-millime coin by the Sultanate of Egypt in 1916. But what is the truth about this bronze coin? Let's travel back in time and place, specifically to India in 1916, where the mints in Bombay and Calcutta were at their peak…

Currencies lost by Egypt in the war

Did Egypt actually lose a large amount of coins, especially silver, during World War I? And what type of coins were they? Many researchers mention that a large quantity of Sultan Hussein Kamel's coins were lost at sea during World War I, and they use this to explain the shortage of certain coins issued in 1916 for Sultan Hussein Kamel. However…

World War I bonds

Media propaganda through posters… War bonds are debt securities issued by governments to finance military operations and other expenditures during wartime. On the other hand, they are a means of controlling inflation by removing money from circulation in a stimulated wartime economy. War bonds are either retail bonds marketed directly to the public or wholesale bonds traded on…

Egyptian banknotes that never saw the light of day – Part 2

Egyptian banknotes that never saw the light of day: We continue our presentation of another set of images of Egyptian banknotes that never saw the light of day. These Egyptian banknotes were offered at the Spink auction in London in 2017, specifically between September 27th and 29th. You can refer to the first part to see the banknotes that were offered, representing the early days of Egyptian banknotes in 1898 and 1899. In this part…

Egyptian banknotes that never saw the light of day – Part 1

In 2017, specifically between September 27th and 29th, Egyptian banknote experiments were displayed at the renowned Spink auction house in London. This auction featured a number of archival images of Egyptian banknote experiments that never saw the light of day. These experiments depicted Egyptian banknotes designed from the beginning of Egyptian banknote production up to the 1950s…

Two piasters, 1942... They deceived you when they said

They deceived you by saying that Egyptian royal coins were minted outside Egypt before the revolution and that minting only began after the establishment of the Mint in 1953… That's the rumor, but in reality, few of us know that some Egyptian royal coins were minted on Egyptian soil, specifically the two piastres of King Farouk issued in 1942.

Arabic calligraphy in Palestinian criticism

In December 1927, Professor Abdul Qader Al-Shihabi, the calligrapher of the Palestinian government at the time, sent a letter of protest to the Palestinian government regarding the poor state of Arabic calligraphy in Palestinian currency. In his letter, Mr. Abdul Qader Effendi explained that, as a duty incumbent upon him towards Arabic calligraphy, he felt compelled to express his opinion on it, drawing upon his own experience with the art. He stated that his view…

The small change crisis in Egypt in 1941

With the escalating tensions of World War II, and beginning in the second quarter of 1941, nickel became scarce globally, making it difficult to procure for coinage due to its use in weapons manufacturing. Priority in supplying the metal shifted to war factories rather than mints, and the price of nickel ore skyrocketed, transforming the metal into a strategic commodity in high demand…

Commemorating the COVID-19 pandemic

Four coins were recently issued by the African nation of Chad, marking its first legal tender specifically to commemorate the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-ounce silver coins are currently in production and will be available for delivery in July. The 5,000-franc coins are crafted from .999 silver with a black finish, where they were colored…

Continuation of the Percy Metcalfe topic by Professor Moheb Rizkallah

Continuing from a previous post in the following link: 6 Degrees of Divergence: Results of the 1927 Irish Currency Design Competition. In 1922, Ireland gained its independence from Britain, and one of the things considered essential for the new nation was its own currency. On April 13, 1926, the country's Currency Act was passed, stipulating coins, bullion, and metal weights. But this…

From the British National Archives… 31/10/1957

The Syrian government submitted a request to the Egyptian government's Mint Authority to mint coins worth 4.5 million Syrian pounds in denominations of 25 piasters and 50 piasters.

Australian National Stamp Exhibition 2020

The Canberra Stampshow 2020 is one of the largest gatherings of postal enthusiasts in Australia and is a highly anticipated event. Held biennially in March over three days, it was a highlight of this year's event. The Arabic postal displays were particularly noteworthy, with most winning medals.

Plastic money that withstands abuse

In recent days, Egyptian newspapers and some official websites have reported on the Central Bank of Egypt's preparations to print and release polymer banknotes. However, upon reviewing the news article published in Al-Ahram newspaper on November 23, 2001—nearly 19 years ago—I found that Ali Najm, the former governor of the Central Bank, stated that it was an experiment worth studying, but…

New print of the Australian $100 note

The new series includes enhanced security features. It will soon enter official circulation. A transparent section in the center of the note, vibrant new colors that change when the note is held up to light, and multiple new security features make counterfeiting virtually impossible. It's worth noting that current Australian banknotes are made of polymer, not paper, and Australia was the first country in the world to use this technology, starting in 1988. A look at…

Egyptian publication for the war period

# Arabic Readings in Foreign Newspapers: What was the Egyptian currency issue during the First World War? The American magazine The Numismatist published an article in its October 1919 issue entitled "An Egyptian Issue of the War Period," which featured a 5-millime coin of Sultan Hussein Kamel dated 1916. The coin's description indicated that the obverse bore the name of Sultan Hussein Kamel and included the date…