Description
The Saudi riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia since the country’s creation; it is one of the first currencies in the Mediterranean region during the Ottoman era. In 1925, coins in denominations of ¼ and ½ were introduced by Ibn Saud (founder of Saudi Arabia), followed by 1 qirsh in 1926. In 1935, the first coins in the name of Saudi Arabia were issued in denominations of 1/4, ½ and 1 riyal, followed by 2 and 4 qirsh in 1957. In 1963 the halala was introduced in a denomination of 1 halala, then in 1972, 5, 10, 25 and 50 halala coins were issued, followed by a 100 halala in 1976. In 2016, the Monetary Authority of Saudi Arabia introduced a new series of coins with denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 halalas and 1 and 2 riyals.
The 10 Saudi halala coin front design features The National Emblem (consists of two crossed swords with a palm tree on top), the issue date in Gregorian and Islamic Calendar, and a sketch allusive to vegetation on top and bottom. The reverse coin design illustrates the denomination and a sketch allusive to vegetation in the upper and lower part. This coin is part of the 2016 (1438) series. Its rim is plain and alternating fluted in eight sections. Its color is silver.
Text: Servant of the Holy Places, King Salman bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Al Sa’ud, Ten Halalas, 10, 2016 1438.