The Lowdown on United Arab Emirates Coins
The UAE (United Arab Emirates) began issuing coins in 1973. The Emirati dirham is the federation’s currency, and each dirham is divided into 100 fils. eBay is the place to shop for reasonably priced United Arab Emirates coins.
United Arab Emirates coin denominationsUAE coins were issued in six denominations. All coins were initially circulated by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.
- The 1-fils coin: The 1-fils coin was minted intermittently between 1973 and 2005. Its value in Arabic and the words “United Arab Emirates” in Arabic and in English appear on one side of the coin. The other side of the coin displays an illustration of three date palms. The coin is made of a bronze alloy.
- The 5-fils coin: The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates issued 5-fils coins between 1973 and 1989. The coin is made from a bronze alloy. Its value is imprinted on one side of the coin; on the other is an illustration of a lenthrinid fish.
- The 10-fils coin: The coin’s value is printed on one side while the reverse displays an illustration of a traditional fishing boat called a dhow. The coin is made of a bronze alloy.
- The 25-fils coin: The 25-fils coin, which is made of a cupro-nickel alloy, displays an illustration of a gazelle on its reverse. It has milled edges.
- The 50-fils coin: The 50-fils coin has an unusual heptagonal shape and is made of a cupro-nickel alloy. The reverse side of this coin displays an illustration of three oil derricks with an Arabic inscription.
- The 1-dirham coin: The 1-dirham coin is made of a cupro-nickel alloy. It has milled edges. It bears an illustration of a traditional Arabic coffee pot on its reverse side.
Yes, you can find UAE commemorative coins for sale on eBay. Between 1976 and 2012, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates minted 59 commemorative coins. Among the events, anniversaries, and UAE rulers honored with commemorative United Arab Emirates coins are:
- The 27th Chess Olympiad in Dubai
- The 35th anniversary of the National Bank of Dubai
- The inauguration of Sheikh Rashid's Terminal at Dubai International Airport
- The 50th anniversary of UNICEF
Yes. Even coins such as the 1-fils coin, which the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates no longer mints, are legal tender.