Catalog
| Issuer | Bahrain |
|---|---|
| Year | 1965-1966 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Fils |
| Currency | Dinar (1965-date) |
| Composition | Bronze (97.5% Copper, 0.5% Tin, 2% Zinc) |
| Weight | 1.5 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#1, Schön#1 |
| Obverse description | Palm tree within inner circle. State name in Arabic at the top, and both Islamic and Gregorian dates in Arabic at the bottom. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Arabic |
| Obverse lettering |
حُكُومَة البَحرَين ١٣٨٥ - ١٩٦٥ (Translation: Government of Bahrain 1965 - 1385) |
| Reverse description | Denomination in Arabic, and state name in English below. |
| Reverse script | Arabic, Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
١ فلس BAHRAIN (Translation: 1 Fils Bahrain) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1385 (1965) - ١٣٨٥ - ١٩٦٥ Proof Sets (KM#PS2) - 20 000 1385 (1965) - ١٣٨٥ - ١٩٦٥; Minted in 1965-1966 - 1 500 000 1386 (1966) - ١٣٨٦ - ١٩٦٦ - 1 500 000 1386 (1966) - ١٣٨٦ - ١٩٦٦ Proof Sets - 20 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 2957581000 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Fils coin, issued by Bahrain in 1965-1966 under Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, marks a pivotal moment in the nation's monetary history. During an era of rapid modernization and increasing self-governance before full independence in 1971, this coin (KM#1) introduced the new Bahraini Dinar system. It replaced the Gulf Rupee, symbolizing Bahrain's significant stride towards economic autonomy and solidifying its national identity as a developing Gulf state.
Artistry: The coin's design exhibits a clear, modern aesthetic. The obverse features the elegant Tughra, the calligraphic monogram of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, a traditional Islamic symbol of sovereignty, accompanied by both Hijri (1385-1386) and Gregorian (1965-1966) dates. The reverse displays the Arabic denomination "1 FILS" above a stylized palm tree, a culturally significant motif, with the country's name "BAHRAIN" in Arabic below. The design, typical of contemporary regional coinage, prioritizes national symbols and legibility.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze (97.5% Copper, 0.5% Tin, 2% Zinc), 1.5 grams, and 15 mm, this coin's high-points for grading include the intricate flourishes of the obverse Tughra and the central fronds of the reverse palm tree. Given its soft alloy, these areas are prone to wear. Collectors should also assess the sharpness of the Arabic script. Strike quality can vary, with finer details sometimes showing weakness. Original mint luster, a cartwheel effect, is often absent due to circulation.