United Arab Emirates 1 Dirham Coin Value Guide

COIN / UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / 1 DIRHAM 1988 | eBay
United Arab Emirates 1 Dirham Coin
Estimated Value
$1 – $1
Period
1973-2020
Origin
United Arab Emirates
Materials
Copper-nickel

The United Arab Emirates 1 Dirham coin is a cornerstone of the federation's monetary identity, first introduced in 1973 to replace the Qatar and Dubai riyal. It is highly collectible for its iconic depiction of the Dallah coffee pot, symbolizing traditional Emirati hospitality and the nation's unified currency system.

What Is United Arab Emirates 1 Dirham Coin Worth?

The typical price range for United Arab Emirates 1 Dirham Coin is $1 - $1 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The specific mint year, with earlier 1970s issues often being more desirable to regional collectors.
  • Overall physical condition, as high-luster uncirculated examples command the top end of the $0.50-$0.75 price range.
  • Presence of any minting errors or variations in the strike quality from different production periods.
  • Historical significance of the era, particularly coins minted shortly after the UAE's formation in 1971.

How to Identify United Arab Emirates 1 Dirham Coin?

  • Look for the prominent Dallah (traditional Arabic coffee pot) centered on the reverse side of the coin.
  • Verify the composition is copper-nickel, which gives the coin its distinct silver-colored appearance.
  • Check for the denomination '1 Dirham' written in Arabic script on the obverse, accompanied by 'UNITED ARAB EMIRATES' in English.
  • Confirm the date range falls between 1973 and 2020, often displayed in both Gregorian and Hijri years.

History of United Arab Emirates 1 Dirham Coin

The UAE dirham was officially introduced in 1973, two years after the federation's formation, replacing the Qatar and Dubai riyal and the Bahraini dinar. The modern 1 dirham coin design, featuring the denomination on one side and often a national symbol like the Dallah coffee pot on the other, is a widely recognizable symbol of the unified nation's currency system and is one of the highest value circulating coins.

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