A handout picture released by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) on November 21, 2010 shows coins dating back to the Islamic Period in Egypt which were among 200 ancient artefacts returned to SCA by the National Bank of Egypt. The artefacts, which were once owned by foreign collectors residing in Egypt in the 19th and 20th centuries, were in the bank’s treasury. AFP PHOTO/SUPREME COUNCIL OF ANTIQUITIES == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == (Photo by – / SUPREME COUNCIL OF ANTIQUITIES / AFP)

Arab News
Sunday . February 02, 2020

One of the world’s most impressive collections of Arab and Islamic coinage ever assembled, the ‘Coins of Islam: History Revealed’ exhibition, curated by Dr. Alain Baron, will take place until April 28 at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

Byzantine Empire, Leo VI

A gold coin dating back to AD 886-912 showcasing the Virgin Mary praying on one side and the Byzantine emperor Leo on the other.

Ilkhans, Muhammad Khan

The only coin in the world bearing the names of the Prophet Muhummad and his caliphs on one side and Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus on the other.

Umayyad gold dinars

First minted between AD 696-697, this piece is an early example of a purely Islamic coin, replacing pictorial depictions with Arabic inscriptions taken from the Quran.

Great Saljuqs

This coin depicts falconry a thousand years ago, a hobby that has been practiced by various cultures and civilizations across centuries.

Roman Empire

This set of gold coins was issued by Roman Emperor Hadrian to commemorate his year-long travels through Egypt.

Umayyad Caliphate

Produced during the reign of Abd El-Malik bin Marwan, this coin is of extraordinary rarity as it bears the Islamic expression of faith.