All About Saudi Arabian Coins
Saudi Arabia’s currency has been the riyal since the kingdoms of the Hejaz and Nejd united to form the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. There are 100 halala in 1 riyal. You’ll find reasonably priced coins from Saudi Arabia when you search on eBay.
Denominations of Saudi coinsSaudi Arabia issued its first coins in 1932. They were a silver 1-riyal coin, a silver half-riyal coin, and a silver quarter-riyal coin. All three coins bore the same design: crossed swords flanked by date trees beneath Arabic lettering. The riyal Saudi Arabia coin weighed 0.4 ounces, while the half-riyal coin weighed 0.2 ounces, and the quarter-riyal coin weighed 0.1 ounce.
In 1937, the Saudi Arabian government issued three new coins in denominations of 1 qirsh, 1.2 qirsh, and ¼ qirsh. There are 20 qirsh in 1 riyal. The three new coins were made of cupro-nickel. The 2-qirsh and 4-qirsh coins were subsequently introduced in 1946.
The bronze halala coin was introduced in 1963. In 1976, 1-riyal coins made of cupro-nickel alloy were introduced along with cupro-nickel 5-halala, 10-halala, 25-halala, and 50-halala coins. These riyal and halala coins were redesigned once again in 2016.
With such a wide variety of coins out there, collectors are sure to keep busy. Arm yourself with knowledge about the types of Saudi Arabian coins before you start shopping.
What makes Saudi Arabian coins valuable?The primary factor used to determine the value of a Saudi Arabian coin is how rare it is. If fewer of certain types of coins are minted, the total supply of these coins will be less. A coin may also be rare if collectors hoard it because its design is a particular favorite.
A coin’s condition also has a big influence on its value. A coin with a legible date will be worth more than a coin whose dates and legends are too worn to read easily. The value of silver riyals also reflects the value of the bullion used to manufacture them. Coin collecting is similar to other hobbies: The better condition an item is in, the higher its value will be.
How are Arabian coins certified?Certified Saudi coins are collectible coins that have been vetted by a major coin-grading service. There are many reasons why coin sellers may choose not to certify coins they are selling, so this designation may not have anything to do with a Saudi Arabian coin’s authenticity.
There are two main numismatic organizations that issue certifications. The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) provides authentication, grading, attribution, and coin encapsulation in clear plastic holders. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) offers an analogous set of services.
Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Saudi Arabian government. Content provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.