Medals
The Treaty of Nanjing and the Opium War
In 1842, China was forced to sign the Treaty of Nanjing after its defeat by the British in the First Opium War. This war erupted when the Chinese government decided to ban the smuggling and trade of opium. The initial impasse arose when Western demand for luxury Chinese goods created a trade imbalance between China and Britain, and silver...
August 13, 2024Encyclopedia 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…
January 16, 2024The 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…
December 7, 2022Encyclopedia 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…
June 10, 2022Pope Francis's Visit to Iraq Medal
The Vatican has minted a special bronze medal to commemorate Pope Francis's visit to Iraq. Vatican sources said the medal will be one of the gifts the Catholic Church leader will present to Iraqi officials he meets during his four-day visit, which begins on Friday. The medal was designed by artists from the dedicated branch of the Vatican Post Office…
March 5, 2021An interview with Heidi, the artist who created coins depicting ancient Egyptian gods.
Many collectors enjoy collecting their country's coins and official currency, but some countries' ancient civilizations have had such a profound impact on world history that foreign mints (and sometimes even foreign governments) have designed coins inspired by the history of these ancient civilizations. Egypt is one such country. Recently, two of these unique medals have been celebrated…
February 16, 2021Cairo Historical Medals
Commemorative medals for Cairo's most famous mosques to celebrate 1050 years since its founding. The Egyptian Treasury and Mint issued a set of commemorative medals as part of the celebrations marking the 1050th anniversary of the founding of Cairo. This year's celebrations coincided with Cairo's selection by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) as the Capital of Islamic Culture and Civilization. According to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Finance, the commemorative medals for the city of…
December 14, 2020Lebanese medals
Lebanese Medals: Milestones in the History of Lebanon 1840-2020. A book that scientifically documents, for the first time in Lebanon, the medals along with their accessories and historical information.
September 29, 2020History of Iraqi medals and decorations
The History of Iraqi Medals and Decorations by Ahmed Ghazi Al-Samarrai. Number of pages: 336. Book rating: 5/5. Published in 2020 by Ashur Banipal Printing, Publishing, and Distribution House. A medal or decoration is a small piece in size but very significant in its symbolic value. It is awarded by the state (any state) to an individual or individuals for performing an extraordinary act, whether in war or peace. This…
July 23, 2020Chinese Opium War Medals
The issuance of coins and medals is usually associated with a significant and glorious event in a nation's history, but sometimes a piece can commemorate a bad memory, and this is exactly the case with the "Chinese Opium War Medals." Britain controlled most of Asia and the world in the 18th century, but the empire fell in love with attractive Asian products, especially Chinese silk and tea leaves…
June 27, 2020Orders and Medals of Iraq
Orders and Medals of Iraq, Very soon – in Arabic only, Volume 2 – improved version and same size as version 1, with more pictures – Coming soon: The History of Iraqi Orders and Medals – in Arabic – The book is substantial, the same size as the first edition with additions, and approximately 350 pages, by researcher and historian Ahmad G. Al-Samaraiee
May 19, 2020One of the tragedies of the 1954 auction
On the ninth day of the auction, items 2654 through 2738—84 items in total—were withdrawn. Upon reviewing the catalog, the details of the tragedy become clearer. Most of the withdrawn items represent an entire chapter in the book, specifically the chapter on "Egyptian Gold Commemorative Medals." As usual, "Uncle Farid" did not do a good job; he merely mentioned the occasion of each medal's issuance, along with a brief description and the year of issue…
March 8, 2019Imperial mood!!
A little-known fact is that Emperor Napoleon was an avid collector of medals and took a keen interest in minting coins commemorating his victories, which he then awarded to France's allies. Napoleon's passion for collecting medals began while he was in Egypt! He found a medal bearing the image of Julius Caesar, which he took as a good omen. Upon his return to Paris, he carried this medal with him. It suffices to know that when…
January 29, 2018