Sharjah24: Amna Al Ali, Head of the Media Department of Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), announced the discovery of Marduf al-Qawasim coins

She pointed out that 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 Marduf al-Qawasim (locally known currency) 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.

She added during her statement to “Sharjah 24”, that 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.

She mentioned that it was the first time showing the discovery to the public.  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.