Arabic Coins

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…

Egyptian coins that never saw the light of day

This article explores Egyptian currency designs that were never officially issued or circulated. Discover the mysterious stories behind these currencies that never saw the light of day in Egyptian monetary history. The Sinai Pound: After the 1967 defeat, they planned to issue new currency while retaining the names of existing denominations for use in the newly annexed territories…

Mamluk coinage between the deposition of the sultan and the rule of the caliph

The Abbasid caliphs in Cairo held virtually no real power. They were called Commander of the Faithful, their names were inscribed on coins in prayers from the pulpits, and everything else rested with the sultan, including the power to depose and appoint the caliphs themselves. There was only one unique case worthy of careful consideration, even though it lasted only seven months and was a product of chance and the work of…

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…

Comprehensive Developmental Science Diploma

This is a specialized diploma course, supervised and taught by Dr. Al-Mu'taz Billah Al-Shahawi, entitled "Comprehensive Numismatics Diploma," offered in both Arabic and English, and organized by the Arab Collector. Target audience: Students and researchers in archaeology and numismatics, restoration specialists, historians, museum curators, and enthusiasts. Course objectives: To learn about the history of ancient coins and the metals used in their manufacture; to learn about…

Assassin coins

Over a year ago, I wrote an article about the coins of the Assassins, but I didn't publish it because there was one particular dinar for which I searched extensively for a clear image but couldn't find one. I could have made do with the poor-quality image I had, in addition to images of the other common dinars, but fortunately, I preferred to postpone the article until a clear image appeared. Now I remember…

The Fatimids went during Ramadan

Very few Islamic coins bear a minting date that includes the Arabic month as well as the year. If we look at the Fatimid coinage of the Fatimid state, we find a very limited number of issues inscribed with the month alongside the year. It is highly likely that these issues are linked to historical events or religious occasions, and we must attempt to deduce these events and occasions…

Coins of Baybars II

Baybars al-Jashankir assumed power during the second reign of al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun after the latter left Cairo and retired to Karak. However, al-Jashankir's rule was short-lived, as he failed to gain the loyalty of the elite or even the support of the common people. The country's situation deteriorated, and dangers and threats multiplied. After approximately a year, al-Nasir Muhammad returned…

The first Abbasid currency issue in Egypt

The mint of Egypt (Fustat) in the year 133 AH marked the final chapter in the history of the Umayyad Caliphate with the killing of its last caliph, Marwan ibn Muhammad, at the hands of the Abbasids in the village of Zawiyat al-Maslub, in the Wasita district of Beni Suef Governorate. A few months later, a new bronze coin bearing the name of… was minted in Fustat.

Currency of the Imamate of Oman

Sale of royal coins at the Egyptian Mint

On July 18, 2023, the Sales Department of the Egyptian Treasury and Mint announced the opening of a sale for some of Egypt's royal coins. It offered sets of copper and nickel coins issued during the reigns of Sultan Hussein, King Fuad I, and King Farouk I for public purchase. The coins were displayed…

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…

Striked in Egypt, the history behind the coin inscriptions

Under the title "Struck in Egypt," a cultural seminar was held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Cairo Opera House. Organized by the Cairo Biography Initiative in cooperation with the Civilization Cinema Center, the seminar featured a lecture by numismatic researcher Professor Mohamed Abdel Hamid, who posed the question of how history can be discerned from the inscriptions on coins, and…

King Fuad coin prices in Eritrea 2023 Part 2

As mentioned previously in the first part of the article "Egyptian Coins and Record Prices at Eretz 2023," a collection of coins from the reigns of King Fuad and Sultan Fuad was sold at Eretz Auction No. 28, held on March 21, 2023, achieving unprecedented record prices for Egyptian coins, in addition to many other foreign coins. The sold coins date from the years beginning with…

New UAE currency notes in partnership with Check Mint

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has unveiled new Emirati gold and silver coins celebrating the UAE's achievements over the past 50 years. These coins will be available for purchase after Ramadan. The announcement, made during the Dubai Precious Metals Conference 2022, involves a partnership with Czech Mint…

Egyptian currency and record prices in Eritrea 2023 Part 1

A collection of Egyptian and Palestinian coins was sold at the 28th Eretz auction held on March 21, 2023, achieving unprecedented prices for Egyptian coins, in addition to several other foreign pieces. The coins sold date from 1916, during the reign of Sultan Hussein Kamel, through the issues of Sultan Fuad from 1920 to 1923, and beyond.

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…