Middle East
Coins and banknotes from Middle Eastern countries, many carrying Arabic script and traditional design elements.
Middle Eastern coins and banknotes
Middle Eastern currency is distinguished above all by its calligraphy. Arabic script is used decoratively as well as informatively, and many issues use architectural and geometric motifs rather than portraiture, which gives the region a look quite unlike European or American coinage.
Several countries also use Eastern Arabic numerals on their denominations, so reading a value can itself be part of learning the area.
What to look at
- Script and numerals — central to identifying and dating issues.
- Calendar era — dates may follow a different calendar.
- Design tradition — calligraphic and geometric rather than portrait-led.
- By country — the most practical way to structure a collection.