Numismatics
Rare Zenobia coins up for Heritage Auction
The Heritage Auctions coin sale, featuring two rare Syrian coins, concluded on the morning of August 20th, Syrian time. Although minted in Alexandria, Egypt, these coins represent a rare political document demonstrating how a Syrian queen established herself at the heart of the Roman monetary system. Let's explore these two coins and the story of Zenobia, in the mid-third century...
February 20, 2026The secret of the two letters on Roman coins
What is the secret of the two letters on Roman coins? In our next article, we will answer today's riddle. First, it's worth noting that one of our perceptive followers discovered something unusual in the image of the Orois coin we shared: the presence of the Latin letters SC. Collectors of Roman coins are accustomed to seeing these letters on bronze and copper coins, so why is it so strange to see them on gold coins? Let's find out…
February 20, 2026The Black Stone of Homs: A God's Journey from Homs to Rome
The Black Stone of Homs: The Syrian city of Homs is known in popular memory as the City of Black Stones, or the Mother of Black Stones, due to the abundance of dark basalt volcanic rocks that surround the city and have been part of its architecture for centuries. However, Homs was historically known for one particular black stone, a stone that was not merely an element of nature, but a center of worship…
February 20, 2026The crescent moon on coins
In celebration of the holy month of Ramadan and the sighting of its blessed crescent moon, let us examine the crescent on coins issued in Egypt throughout Islamic history and before. First, we must understand that the crescent is a symbol used on various types of coins, some Islamic and many others non-Islamic. We have chosen a notable example: a Mamluk fils (coin) of Sultan al-Mansur Ala' al-Din Ali ibn...
February 19, 2026History of Arab currency
The history of Arab currency studies the evolution of monetary systems in the Arab world from ancient times to the modern era, including both coinage and paper money. This field aims to understand how money was organized, its relationship to political power, economic development, and the construction of national sovereignty. The history of Arab currency is an essential part of the financial and administrative history of the Arab world, reflecting economic and social transformations…
February 17, 2026The Beach of Sorrows (Gaza): Laughter and Tears Amidst the Rubble of History
Episode One (Beginnings): I yearn for the land of Gaza… even if my silence betrays me after our separation. May God bless a land whose soil, if I could but possess it… I would use to adorn my eyes with it, so intense is my longing. Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i. I pondered a title for a series of articles exploring the ancient history of Gaza, and I found myself choosing "The Shore of Sorrows," a title that, unfortunately, applies to both the past and the present.
February 12, 2026Monetary History
“Explore monetary history as a tool for understanding the development of states and sovereignty. The article deals with the stages of transition from barter to metal and paper money, and the role of central banks in shaping modern monetary systems, with a special focus on the Arab context.”
February 10, 2026The difference between numismatics, philately, and paper currency
Introduction: Numismatics, philately, and banknotes are often confused because all three fields rely on seemingly similar tangible materials such as coins, stamps, and banknotes. However, each is an independent field of knowledge with its own subject matter, methodology, and research questions. This article aims to clarify the fundamental differences between these disciplines and explain…
February 6, 2026Digital documentation initiative via the Arab Collector's Library
In every corner of the world of stamps, coins, and postal bulletins, a story lies untold. Stories of homelands, of letters that traveled across borders, of societies that strove to unite enthusiasts, and of works lovingly written to serve as a guide for generations. This unique Arab heritage in the fields of postal services and numismatics constitutes a great cultural and scientific treasure, but it is threatened with extinction by the passage of time…
August 20, 2025Jalba: The stern general who defied fate and for whom Nile coins were minted
In 68 AD, the Roman Empire was seething under Nero, who had become universally despised. In the heart of Spain, Galba, the stern-faced old general, watched Rome's collapse with strategic coolness. He was not an ambitious youngster, but a seasoned warrior who had served in every corner of the empire, from Germany to Africa. When Nero committed suicide, he opened the way…
May 28, 2025The Urine Tax: The Story of Vespasian and the Strangest Tax in Roman History
Can money have a smell? Vespasian says (Pecunia non olet). In the heart of Roman history, specifically in 69 AD, one of the strangest taxes ever appeared: the urine tax! It may seem bizarre, but behind this tax lies a fascinating political and economic story, spearheaded by the Roman Emperor Vespasian, the man who uttered his famous phrase: “Pecunia non olet,“…
May 24, 2025Forgotten 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. …
May 16, 2025Egyptian 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…
May 11, 2025The hobby of collecting coins and artifacts
Is coin collecting a hobby considered a crime under the antiquities law? This article does not reflect the opinion of the Arab collector, but only the personal opinion of the writer. About 20 years ago, when I decided to emigrate, some esteemed friends warned me not to try to leave Egypt with any currency older than 100 years, otherwise I would face legal consequences…
April 19, 2025The Golden Pound and St. George the Roman
Perhaps one of the most famous coins in the world is the English "gold sovereign," so much so that it has become proverbial, with people saying that someone's reputation is as good as a gold sovereign! But what is its story, and why does it bear the image of a saint who never visited England in his life? From a practical standpoint, there are two aspects, or rather, two stories. The first story: George (or George of Cappadocia) was born in Cappadocia (present-day Turkey), and according to one account…
April 19, 2025Mamluk 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…
April 18, 2025Encyclopedia 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…
August 29, 2024The 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, 2024Inclusive Numismatic Diploma – Online
It is a specialized diploma under the supervision and delivery of Dr. Almoatzbellah Elshahawi entitled “Inclusive Numismatic Diploma” (Online), that delivered in English, and organized by the Arab Collector. Audience Archeologists, numismatists, conservators, historians, curators, and collectors Diploma's Objective: Highlight the significant of coins in history; Elucidate the information derived from coins across various streams…
August 13, 2024Comprehensive 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…
August 11, 2024