Notaphily (Paper Currency)
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…
April 9, 2026Launch of the Junior Collector's Lab
Introduction: Is your child looking for an adventure through time? Have you ever imagined that the coin in your child's hand could be a lesson in history, geography, and economics? We at the Arab Collector Platform are pleased to announce the launch of the Little Collector Lab, the world's first fully interactive portal in Arabic dedicated to developing the skills of budding collectors. What is the Little Collector Lab…
March 19, 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, 2026Notaphily
Introduction: Notaphily is a specialized field of knowledge that studies banknotes as official documents issued by monetary authorities, reflecting integrated economic, sovereign, and administrative systems. This field is not limited to collecting or acquiring banknotes, but rather examines them as analytical tools for understanding the evolution of monetary systems, the building of financial trust, and political and economic transformations within countries. This discipline arose…
February 6, 2026Notgeld… German emergency money
When money loses its meaning and images speak, the seasoned collector of banknotes is not drawn to nominal value or mere rarity alone, but to that kind of currency that seems to defy convention and carries an exceptional story. What truly fascinates him is the "unusual"; the note that is not merely a forgotten medium of exchange, but transforms…
January 17, 2026Somaliland shilling… a false sovereignty
Throughout history, currencies have not merely been tools to facilitate trade; they have always been among the most visible and influential symbols of political sovereignty. From ancient empires to modern nation-states, authorities have used currency as a means of proclaiming their political presence and solidifying national identity. The image of the ruler, the name of the state, the language used, religious or national symbols, and even the choice of colors and designs are all elements that carry…
January 9, 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, 2025Amateur 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…
July 23, 2025The 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…
June 11, 2025Launch of the Encyclopedia of Qatari Currencies at the Doha International Book Fair
The Doha International Book Fair witnessed the launch of a groundbreaking encyclopedia, the first of its kind in the field of documenting Qatari banknotes. Engineer Khalid Mohammed Jolo unveiled his comprehensive work, "Encyclopedia of Qatari Currencies," a unique resource for coin collectors and those interested in the history of currency in Qatar. The encyclopedia, spanning over 550 pages, highlights…
May 17, 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, 2025Ibrahim 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…
October 14, 2024Encyclopedia 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, 2024Arab amateurs win banknote prizes
In January 2024, the American company BMG announced the results of its global banknote collection competition, which revealed that a number of Arab collectors and Arab collections in general achieved honorable results and top rankings worldwide, including the award for best banknote collection among all currency collections…
February 1, 2024Anwar Sadat and his hobby of stamps and coins
President or Hobbyist? Anwar Sadat, the third president of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the commander in the 1973 war, became known for his passion for collecting stamps and coins. When someone mentions stamp and coin collecting among Egyptian rulers, the names of King Farouk or King Fuad's mother immediately come to mind. However, there was another hobbyist...
May 9, 2023Arab currencies in the Spink auction, April 2023
A diverse collection of Arab and foreign currencies was offered at the Spink Auction held in Hong Kong on April 13, 2023, in auction number 23008, attracting numerous banknote collectors from around the world. The Arab currencies in particular garnered significant attention, with a variety of coins from each region being offered…
April 24, 2023The 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…
April 23, 2023High Security Banknotes Award 2022
The Qatar Central Bank and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates received the regional High Security Banknote Awards and the ID Card of the Year award at the High Security Print EMEA event held in Abu Dhabi on March 8, 2023. Their new banknote designs were praised for their modern aesthetics and security features.
March 26, 2023The new issue of the fifty Jordanian dinar note
The Central Bank of Jordan has introduced a new 50-dinar banknote into circulation alongside the existing banknote from the fourth series. This new banknote features a different design and will be more familiar to consumers. Based on the Jordanian Banknotes Issuance Regulation No. 55 of 2022, published in the Official Gazette on October 2, 2022, and following the statement…
February 9, 2023Lebanese Treasury Bonds Book
On January 31, 2023, Mr. Wissam Lahham and Mr. Ali Shour announced the release of a book entitled “Lebanese Treasury Bonds.” This book tells the story of how the Lebanese government raised funds by selling bonds. The bonds known as “treasury bonds” date back to ancient times, when rulers borrowed money from bankers to help finance their governments. They were known…
February 8, 2023