Notgeld… 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, 2026Arabic Paper MoneySomaliland 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, 2026HistoryThe craft of distorting time
The Art of Distorting Time: How can time be distorted? Just as social media has brought collectors closer to the rare objects they diligently gather and acquire, it has also created a distance between them and a growing number of professionals who forge, imitate, and defraud collectors. Nothing stands in their way—not honesty, not ethics, not…
April 19, 2022HistoryThe features of Egyptian society on a lottery ticket
With the increasing influx and immigration of foreigners since the beginning of the nineteenth century, Egyptian society has witnessed many strange patterns and manifestations of modernization, as well as various practices brought to Egypt by these people, such as the wearing of European clothing by the increasingly large class, the effendi class, in addition to the adoption of Western lifestyles in furniture, food, and clothing…
March 22, 2016Ancient CoinsThe Maqasis…the strange thing about the currency circulating in Egypt
What do you know about the "maqasis" (a type of coin)? And when did it appear in Egypt? "Play with the maqasis until the diwani (a type of coin) comes to you" (1). Perhaps some have heard this authentic Egyptian proverb before without realizing that behind it lies a fascinating and strange story about the history of money circulation in Egypt at a certain period. Egypt experienced a decline in the weight of…
March 13, 2016Modern CoinsFrench money for the Suez Canal
The second issue of French coins for the Suez Canal, dated 1892, was minted for circulation in Port Said by the Suez Canal Cooperative Society (part of the Universal Company of the Suez Canal) – la Société Coopérative du Canal de Suez (the Cooperative Society of the Suez Canal) – la Compagnie Universelle du canal maritime de Suez. These were special coins minted in France and...
March 11, 2016Modern CoinsPort Said's currency…the unknown history
Ahmed Abdullah – Researcher in Contemporary Egyptian History: Why was the Suez Canal the reason for the issuance of Port Said's currency? And how is this a part of Egyptian history largely unknown? The Suez Canal was established following a decision by the Khedive Said, the Viceroy of Egypt, to begin work on Port Said on Monday, April 25, 1859, and Ferdinand de Lesseps began digging the canal…
March 8, 2016Arabic CoinsThe Indian rupee is a currency used in Egypt.
What circumstances led to the circulation of the Indian rupee in Egypt? The First World War, following a severe shortage of gold, silver, and nickel coins in Egypt after the outbreak of the war in 1914, was a major factor. This shortage was due to public fear of the war and its potential consequences, particularly after the price of silver rose.
February 23, 2016Arabic Paper MoneyIsraeli occupation funds for economic control over Sinai
Did you know that there were banknotes issued by the Israeli occupation forces intended for circulation in Arab areas during the 1967 war? Shortly after the fall of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Egyptian Sinai, and Syrian Golan Heights to the Zionist occupation in 1967, secret deliberations took place within the Israeli government regarding the possibility of issuing special currency denominations for circulation…
December 17, 2015