All Articles
A complete archive of everything published on The Arab Collector, from special features to short reference reads.
Jalba: 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, 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, 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, 2025Collection and display of special editions for the first day of release
In December 2024, the Asian Philatelic Federation (FIAP) hosted a highly successful competitive pilot category for First Day of Issue (FDC) Envelopes at the Asian Stamp Exhibition in Shanghai. This event highlighted both the potential and the challenges associated with the FDC category of exhibits. Exhibits from Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Nepal, and New Zealand were featured. The enthusiasm…
May 11, 2025Khedivial post office steamers
Maritime mail represented a central aspect of the development of communication networks in Egypt during the second half of the nineteenth century, and the Khedivial postal steamers were among the most prominent instruments of this transformation, playing a pivotal role in connecting Egyptian ports with regional and international trade centers. This research sheds light on the organizational and functional dimensions of these vessels, and on the services they provided…
May 8, 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, 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, 2024The hobby of collecting wristwatches
Wristwatches: A Long History and Illustrious Names. Collecting wristwatches is a passion shared by many around the world for centuries. This hobby is not simply about owning a timepiece; it transcends that to become a symbol of refined taste, history, and cutting-edge technology. Over time, wristwatches have become an essential part of fashion and personality, and sometimes represent a long-term investment.
October 7, 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, 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, 2024Cleopatra, Queen of Kings
The coin depicts a profile of Queen Cleopatra VII. In the autumn of 34 BC, Alexandria was about to witness a grand celebration and an even greater event. Mark Antony, the Roman governor of the East, had come to Alexandria to meet his wife, Queen Cleopatra VII, and celebrate with her and their children his victories in the Armenian campaign…
June 14, 2024Assassin coins
Over a year ago, I wrote an article about the coins of the Assassins, but I didn't publish it because there was one particular dinar for which I searched extensively for a clear image but couldn't find one. I could have made do with the poor-quality image I had, in addition to images of the other common dinars, but fortunately, I preferred to postpone the article until a clear image appeared. Now I remember…
March 15, 2024The Fatimids went during Ramadan
Very few Islamic coins bear a minting date that includes the Arabic month as well as the year. If we look at the Fatimid coinage of the Fatimid state, we find a very limited number of issues inscribed with the month alongside the year. It is highly likely that these issues are linked to historical events or religious occasions, and we must attempt to deduce these events and occasions…
March 11, 2024Cookies with dinars
Were there really cakes made with dinars? The Fatimids in Cairo established a dedicated cake-making workshop called Dar al-Fitra, located next to the Great Palace opposite Bab al-Daylam – roughly the current site of the Husseiniya Square – and its purpose was to produce large quantities of cakes and sweets that were distributed to the common people and the elite a day before Eid al-Fitr…
March 9, 2024