5 Riyals - Rashid 2 dates, Essai

Ajman was the smallest and least financially solvent of the Trucial States, which made its late-1960s coin program essentially a revenue exercise aimed at foreign collectors rather than domestic circulation. These essai pieces — struck in limited numbers as pattern or presentation strikes ahead of any circulation issue — were produced by the Monnaie de Paris under contract, a common arrangement for Gulf sheikhdoms seeking internationally credible coinage without the infrastructure to mint domestically.

The "Rashid 2 dates" designation reflects the dual-calendar dating practice, showing both Hijri and Gregorian years. Ajman joined the UAE federation in 1971, ending its independent issuing authority entirely.