Sharjah discovers Marduf Al-Qawasim coins, minted throughout several eras under the rule of Al Qawasim

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) announced the discovery of Marduf al-Qawasim coins, minted throughout several eras under the rule of the monarchy of Al Qawasim.

The Marduf al-Qawasim (as the currency locally known) dates back to Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr al-Qasimi’s rule in 1803 AD, thus being the second minted currency of al-Qawasim’s leadership.

Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Bin Saleh Al Qasimi, who ruled Ras Al Khaimah after the death of his uncle, Sheikh Saif Bin Ali Bin Saleh Al Qasimi, in 1649 AD, was among the monarchs whose names appeared on the first set.

The collection also features coins from the reigns of Sheikh Hassan Bin Rahma Al Qasimi (1809–1819) and Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi (1819–1901), the latter of whom issued a series of significant coins, including Marduf Al Qawasim in a variety of sizes and shapes, which gave rise to the currency of Ras Al Khaimah, the Sikah. It was circulated from the year 1263 AH until the year 1846 AD.

According to Power Struggles and Trade in the Gulf (1620–1820), authored by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, there was a great deal of variation in the value and weight of currency in circulation throughout the Arabian Gulf and the United Arab Emirates under the Qawasim state between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries.

The texts on the coins are similarly simple.

In general, these coins were all made from copper, and they are basic in form, taking the round shape of the coin, which was the standard pattern for coinage during the Islamic era. The texts on the coins are similarly simple.