Catalog
| Issuer | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Year | 1973-1989 |
| Type | Commemorative circulation coin |
| Value | 5 Fils |
| Currency | Dirham (1973-date) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.75 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | 1.3 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Geoffrey Colley |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#2.1, Y#2, Schön#2 |
| Obverse description | Denomination in Arabic characters surrounded by name of the country |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Arabic, Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
الامارات العربية المتحدة ٥ فلوس UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (Translation: United Arab Emirates 5 Fils) |
| Reverse description | Fish (Spangled Emperor or green snapper, Lethrinus nebulosus) swimming to right. Major comercial and sport fishing interest. Lettering around edge, dates below |
| Reverse script | Arabic |
| Reverse lettering |
نظافة البحار تعني المزيد من الغذاء للبشر ١٣٩٣ - ١٩٧٣ (Translation: Cleaner seas mean more food for humans 1973-1393) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
Royal Canadian Mint of Winnipeg,Canada (1976-date) Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date) |
| Mintage |
1393 (1973) - ١٣٩٣ - ١٩٧٣ - 11 400 000 1402 (1982) - ١٤٠٢ - ١٩٨٢ - 1402 (1982) - ١٤٠٢ - ١٩٨٢ 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) - |
| Numisquare ID | 4870035840 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 5 Fils coin, KM#2.1, represents a pivotal piece in the monetary history of the United Arab Emirates, issued from 1973 to 1989. Introduced shortly after the nation's 1971 formation, it appeared under Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding President. The "Zayed FAO" designation highlights the UAE's participation in the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's initiatives, reflecting early efforts in agricultural development and food security. It signifies the young nation's commitment to economic stability and international cooperation.
Artistry: While the engraver is uncredited, the coin's design follows a modern realist style, typical of circulating coinage, likely from a European mint. The obverse displays the denomination "5 FILS" in Arabic and the nation's name. The reverse, central to the "FAO" theme, features a stylized palm tree, a powerful symbol of life and prosperity in the Arabian Peninsula. Often accompanied by "FOOD FOR ALL" legends, this iconography underscores the UAE's focus on agricultural self-sufficiency.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this 22 mm, 3.75-gram "large type" coin typically exhibits a strong strike. High-points for evaluation include the intricate details of the palm tree's fronds and trunk, and the crispness of Arabic calligraphy for the denomination and dates. A full strike is desirable, as