Catalog
| Issuer | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Year | 1973-2011 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 25 Fils |
| Currency | Dirham (1973-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Weight | 3.5 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Geoffrey Colley |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#4 |
| Obverse description | Denomination in Arabic surrounded by name of the country in Arabic and English. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Arabic, Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
الامارات العربية المتحدة ٢٥ فلساً UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (Translation: United Arab Emirates 25 Fils) |
| Reverse description | Gazelle facing left, date below. Probably the sand gazelle or goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa marica), one of the 2 species found in the UAE. |
| Reverse script | Arabic |
| Reverse lettering |
١٤٢٨-٢٠٠٧ (Translation: 2007-1428) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
Royal Canadian Mint of Winnipeg,Canada (1976-date) Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date) |
| Mintage |
1393 (1973) - ١٣٩٣ - ١٩٧٣ - 10 400 000 1402 (1982) - ١٤٠٢ - ١٩٨٢ - 1404 (1984) - ١٤٠٤ - ١٩٨٤ - 1404 (1984) - ١٤٠٤ - ١٩٨٤ Specimen (Ex King`s Norton Mint Collection) - 1406 (1986) - ١٤٠٦ - ١٩٨٦ - 1406 (1986) - ١٤٠٦ - ١٩٨٦ Specimen (Ex King`s Norton Mint Collection) - 1407 (1987) - ١٤٠٧ - ١٩٨٧ - 1408 (1988) - ١٤٠٨ - ١٩٨٨ - 1408 (1988) - ١٤٠٨ - ١٩٨٨ Proof Sets - 1409 (1989) - ١٤٠٩ - ١٩٨٩ - 1409 (1989) - ١٤٠٩ - ١٩٨٩ Proof Sets (KM#MS1) - 1409 (1989) - ١٤٠٩ - ١٩٨٩ Specimen (Ex King`s Norton Mint Collection) - 1415 (1995) - ١٤١٥ - ١٩٩٥ - 1415 (1995) - ١٤١٥ - ١٩٩٥ Proof Sets - 1419 (1998) - ١٤١٩ - ١٩٩٨ - 1425 (2005) - ١٤٢٥ - ٢٠٠٥ - 1428 (2007) - ١٤٢٨ - ٢٠٠٧ - 1432 (2011) - ١٤٣٢ - ٢٠١١ - |
| Numisquare ID | 4155271940 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 25 Fils coin, issued 1973-2011, was a foundational denomination for the United Arab Emirates. Introduced under Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation's founder, and continued under Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this series reflects an era of rapid nation-building and economic transformation. It symbolizes the UAE's burgeoning identity and sovereignty after its 1971 unification, circulating during a period of significant modernization.
Artistry: The coin's design embodies a modern, nationalistic aesthetic. While the engraver is often unrecorded, production frequently involved leading European mints. The obverse features a dignified portrait of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a powerful emblem of leadership. The reverse consistently displays "25 Fils" in Arabic and English, with dual dating, often complemented by the UAE's national emblem, a falcon, symbolizing heritage. Clarity and national symbolism are prioritized.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this 25 Fils variant is notably non-magnetic, a crucial distinction. For optimal grading, examine high points: Sheikh Zayed's hair, beard, cheekbone, and the falcon's head and wings. A strong strike ensures full separation and crisp definition in all lettering. High-grade examples exhibit minimal contact marks on fields, preserving original luster and eye appeal.