ArabianCoins Network

Coins of Saudi Arabiafrom the Hejaz riyal to the modern halala

Saudi Arabia's coinage traces its origins to the Kingdom of Hejaz, whose silver riyals and gold dinars circulated across the Arabian Peninsula before unification. When Abdulaziz ibn Saud consolidated the Hejaz and Nejd into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, he inherited and countermarked existing coinage — those countermarked pieces are among the rarest and most sought-after in Arabian numismatics.

The modern halala decimal system was introduced in AH 1383 (1963), replacing the old qirsh subdivisions. Early halalas were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and featured the crossed-swords-and-palm emblem. Saudi commemorative coins — particularly the FAO issues and the centennial gold — are prized by collectors worldwide.

Hejaz & Nejd (1924–1932)Kingdom — Silver & Gold (1935–1960)Halala Decimal (1963–present)Commemoratives

Saudi Arabia's numismatic history begins with the Hejaz silver riyal, first struck in AH 1334 (1916). Following Abdulaziz ibn Saud's conquest of the Hejaz in 1924–25, existing coins were countermarked "Nejd" — these countermarks command significant premiums today. The Kingdom introduced its own gold guinea (pound) in AH 1370 (1950), modeled after the British sovereign. The transition to the decimal halala system in 1963 modernized the currency: 100 halalas equal one riyal. All circulation coins carry the iconic palm tree and crossed swords, the national emblem. Saudi Arabia has also issued silver and gold commemoratives for milestones including the FAO development programs and the centennial of the Kingdom.