Catalog
| Issuer | Bahrain |
|---|---|
| Year | 1965-1966 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 25 Fils |
| Currency | Dinar (1965-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Weight | 1.75 g |
| Diameter | 16.5 mm |
| Thickness | 0.9 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#4, Schön#4 |
| Obverse description | Palm tree within the inner circle, the country 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 |
٢٥ فلسا BAHRAIN (Translation: 25 Fils Bahrain) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London,United Kingdom (1810-1975) Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date) |
| Mintage |
1385 (1965) - ١٣٨٥ - ١٩٦٥; Minted in 1965-1976 - 11 250 000 1385 (1966) - ١٣٨٥ - ١٩٦٥ Proof Sets (KM#PS2) - 12 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 3853022660 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued 1965-1966, the 25 Fils coin marks a pivotal era for Bahrain under Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. His reign, beginning in 1961, brought significant modernization and a path to full independence in 1971. The 1965 introduction of the Bahraini Dinar and Fils system, replacing the Gulf Rupee, was a bold assertion of monetary sovereignty and national identity, symbolizing Bahrain's distinct financial infrastructure.
Artistry: The engraver is uncredited, typical for coins produced by major European mints (likely the British Royal Mint) for emerging nations. The design reflects a modern numismatic aesthetic. The obverse features a dignified effigy of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, facing right, encircled by elegant Arabic script. The reverse clearly displays "25 Fils" in Arabic and English, alongside dual Hijri and Gregorian dates and "Bahrain," prioritizing legibility and national representation.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this coin generally exhibits a good strike, though variations occur. Key high-points for assessing wear include Shaikh Isa's hair and cheekbone on the obverse. On the reverse, the sharpness of the Arabic calligraphy and English lettering for "25 FILS" and "BAHRAIN" are crucial. A well-preserved example retains original luster, from satiny to semi-prooflike, and shows crisp detail throughout, with minimal bag marks or toning.