Kuwait’s rich numismatic history reflects its cultural and economic evolution: Issa Dashti
The Kuwaiti Philatelic and Numismatic Society recently hosted a specialized lecture titled “The History of Coins in Kuwait”, offering a fascinating look into the evolution of currency in the country—from ancient coins to the first Kuwaiti national coin.
During the lecture, the society’s secretary, Issa Dashti, revealed that Kuwait has witnessed the circulation of coins from various civilizations and nations, including Ottoman, Persian, Austrian, French, Omani, and Zanzibari currencies.
He explained that the first national Kuwaiti coin was minted in 1304 AH (1886 CE) during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah bin Sabah Al Sabah, Kuwait’s fifth ruler. Dashti added that the French gold pound entered circulation during the prosperous “Year of Abundance,” when pearl sales were at their peak.
Ancient Discoveries
Dashti highlighted that one of the oldest coins discovered in Kuwait was a Hellenistic coin unearthed by the Danish archaeological mission on Failaka Island in 1961 and again in 1984. The coin bears the image of King Antiochus and Alexander the Great of Macedon, providing evidence of Kuwait’s historical connections to ancient civilizations and trade routes.
Early Currencies in Use
He explained that one of the earliest currencies circulated in Kuwait was the “Long Al-Hasa” coin, which originated in the Saudi city of Al-Ahsa and was used toward the end of the 17th century.
Dashti noted that the Ottoman currency served as the official medium of exchange in many countries until the end of World War I, and Kuwait used it alongside other foreign currencies.
Among the currencies in circulation were the Persian franc, widely used during the reign of Sheikh Jaber bin Abdullah Al Sabah, and the Austrian franc, commonly referred to in the Arabian Peninsula as the “French franc.” This coin, known as the thaler or dollar, was called “Fransa” in some regions. He also mentioned the Omani baiza and Zanzibari baiza, which were exchanged by money changers for trade purposes but not used in regular market transactions.
The First Kuwaiti National Coin
Dashti praised Sheikh Abdullah bin Sabah Al Sabah, Kuwait’s fifth ruler, for taking a bold and visionary step toward affirming Kuwait’s independence by minting the first Kuwaiti national currency. This coin bore the Sheikh’s signature on one side and the inscription “Minted in Kuwait 1304 AH” on the other. It was called “Al-Baiza”, equivalent to the copper “Baisa” that Kuwaitis had been using in trade.
He described the Kuwaiti Baiza as being handmade by local coppersmiths using red copper and simple hammers. Due to the primitive minting process, the coins varied in shape, size, and thickness, and their circulation was limited and short-lived, never extending beyond Kuwait’s borders.
The French Gold Sovereign and Foreign Influence
Dashti recounted that in 1912, Kuwait witnessed the circulation of the French gold sovereign, marking the so-called “Year of Abundance”, when the pearl trade reached its height. A French ship arriving from India bought large quantities of pearls with gold coins, injecting new wealth into the local economy.
He further noted that coins issued by the English East India Company were used in Kuwait from 1775, coinciding with the establishment of the company’s office in the country—a development that laid the foundation for Kuwaiti-British relations.
These gold sovereigns were primarily used for high-value commercial transactions. When the East India Company ceased issuing coins in 1858, the Government of India under the British Crown took over the responsibility of minting currency.
The Birth of the Modern Kuwaiti Currency
Dashti concluded by highlighting that when Kuwait gained independence in 1961, the Indian rupee—then in use—was replaced by the Kuwaiti dinar, which carried the inscription “Emirate of Kuwait.”
A year later, following the formal change in the country’s title to the State of Kuwait, the coinage was updated accordingly. The Kuwaiti currency adopted at that time has remained in circulation, symbolizing national sovereignty and economic stability to this day.
Through his lecture, Dashti underscored that the history of Kuwait’s coinage mirrors the nation’s political evolution, trade connections, and enduring quest for independence, reflecting a legacy that continues to enrich the country’s cultural heritage.
