Bahrain emerges as a hub for ancient Arab coins and notes

TDT | Manama       

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Ashen Tharaka

Thanks to the high demand and commercial value of ancient Arab coins and notes in the region, interest in the subject is emerging in Bahrain. As a part of the regional study hub programme, a group of numismatic experts is gathering to showcase ancient Arab coins and notes to the world at the end of this year.

According to them, there are more than four hundred numismatic experts in the Kingdom. Time after time, they organise exhibitions and auctions to promote ancient coins and notes to the general public.

"We can reflect the culture and deep history of our country and show the world that the Bahraini numismatics are well educated and well-rounded with other cultures too," numismatic expert Mohamed Abdulhakeem Alaradi told the Daily Tribune.

Alaradi is a member of the International Banknote Society (IBNS) and the American Numismatics Association. He is also the founder of Arados Auction House in Bahrain. A numismatic expert, Hafedh Abdulghaffar, said: "Each coin is not just a piece of copper or metal, but a reflection of a country’s history and glory."

"In some countries, this kind of hobby has been developed and introduced to the school’s curriculum,", he added. Experts highlighted that promoting ancient Arab coins and notes through exhibitions, lectures, or cultural programmes is a good initiative to educate the new generation about their history.

"My father started collecting coins and currencies from countries he was visiting, which my sister continued. They inspired me to do the same," Mohamed Yacoub Aljanahi told the Daily Tribune. "This is a good investment and an interesting hobby with benefits," he added.

Iraqi Numismatic Experts

Mohammed Ali Alsamarai, an Iraqi numismatic collector, said: "Bahrain has a rich history and culture, and the country is home to many knowledgeable coin and note collectors." He has a 1/4 Dinar note that belongs to the year 1947, which is now worth 750 Bahraini dinars.

When we asked about the revolutionising notes and coins in the modern world, Ali Alsamarai responded: "In the next 50 years, we will be able to uncover coins and notes used by European countries, Canada, and Australia in museums."

Support from BACA

As an emerging trend in numismatic fields, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has taken the necessary steps to promote it in the region. Director of BACA, Salman Almahari, said that, as a regulatory body, BACA is fully committed to promoting ancient Arab coins and notes in the region.

"Bahrain could be a regional study hub for ancient coins and notes in the near future," Salman Almahari added.