Hejaz and Nejd Coins: Money from a Kingdom in Transition

Introduction

Coins often tell stories that books only hint at. The coins of Hejaz and Nejd come from a short but decisive chapter in Arabian history—when fragmented regions were being unified into what would soon become the modern Saudi state. Struck between the mid-1920s and early 1930s, these coins are prized today not only for their metal content but also for the political and cultural signals they carry.

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Historical Background

Hejaz and Nejd were two distinct regions on the Arabian Peninsula. Under the leadership of Abdulaziz ibn Saud, these territories were unified, laying the foundation for the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
Before unification, different currencies circulated locally. The new administration needed a standardized monetary system—hence the issue of coins bearing the name Hejaz and Nejd.

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Monetary System and Denominations

The currency system was based on the Riyal, subdivided into Qirsh. Common denominations included:

• ¼ Qirsh and ½ Qirsh (mainly copper or copper-nickel)

• 1 Qirsh (copper-nickel)

• ¼ Riyal, ½ Riyal, and 1 Riyal (silver)

Silver riyals were especially important for trade and savings, while smaller qirsh denominations served everyday transactions.

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Design and Calligraphy

Hejaz and Nejd coins are admired for their elegant simplicity. Instead of portraits, they feature Arabic inscriptions with:

• The name of the state (Hejaz and Nejd)

• The ruler’s name (Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud)

• Dates in the Islamic Hijri calendar

This aniconic design reflects Islamic traditions and emphasizes authority through text rather than imagery.

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Metals and Minting

Most minor coins were struck in copper or copper-nickel, while higher denominations used silver—often around .830 fineness. Many pieces were minted abroad due to limited local minting facilities, a common practice for emerging states at the time.

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Emergency and Countermarked Issues

One fascinating aspect for collectors is the presence of countermarked and emergency issues. Some older coins were revalidated with countermarks during periods of shortage, making these varieties particularly interesting—and sometimes rarer—than standard issues.

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Collecting Hejaz and Nejd Coins Today

For numismatists, Hejaz and Nejd coins sit at the crossroads of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and modern Saudi numismatics. Their value depends on:

• Condition and metal content

• Specific year and mint

• Presence of countermarks or varieties

Silver riyals are especially sought after, while lower-denomination qirsh coins offer affordable entry points for new collectors.

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Why They Matter

Hejaz and Nejd coins are more than old currency. They represent a nation in the making—political unification, economic reform, and cultural identity all struck into metal. Holding one is like holding a fragment of the moment just before a kingdom was born.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you collect Islamic coinage, Middle Eastern history, or transitional state currencies, Hejaz and Nejd coins deserve attention. They bridge tradition and modernity, making them a compelling addition to any serious numismatic collection.

The Untold History of Kochi’s Currency: From Anchal to the Travancore Rupee

 Kochi, the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," has always been more than just a spice hub. It was a sophisticated economic powerhouse with a monetary history as rich and layered as its famous Malabari cuisine. Long before the standardized Indian Rupee we use today, the Kingdom of Cochin hummed to the sound of local silver, gold, and copper coins that told the story of a sovereign state navigating a rapidly changing world.

The Legend of the Silver Puthen

At the heart of Kochi's fiscal identity was the Puthen. Derived from the Malayalam word for "new," the Puthen was a unique silver coin that became the standard for the kingdom in the early 18th century.

What made the Puthen truly special was its design. Each coin featured a stylized Sankha (conch shell), a symbol of purity and sovereignty in Kerala's culture. For a citizen of the Cochin Kingdom, carrying a Puthen wasn't just about wealth; it was a badge of local identity. These coins weren't just used for buying goods; they were a statement against the encroaching uniformity of colonial powers.

A Melting Pot of Global Currency

Because Kochi was a primary port for the Dutch, Portuguese, and British, its markets were a fascinating "currency cocktail."

• The Dutch Influence: During the Dutch occupation (1663–1795), copper "doits" from the Dutch East India Company (VOC) flooded the markets.

• The Gold Fanam: Known locally as the Panam, these tiny gold coins were the preferred choice for high-value international spice trades.

• The Copper Kasu: For the average person buying fish or vegetables in the local market, the copper Kasu was the daily workhorse.

This era required local merchants to be expert money-changers, constantly calculating the shifting exchange rates between the VOC Guilders, the British Sovereign, and the local Puthen.

The Anchal System: Postage as Currency

One of the most unique aspects of Kochi’s history is the Anchal System. This was the local postal department of the Kochi and Travancore kingdoms.

In a fascinating twist of economic history, Anchal stamps and revenue tokens often functioned as a proxy for currency. Because the postal system was so deeply integrated into the state's administration, these stamps—denominated in Puthens—were used to pay fines, taxes, and fees, essentially serving as a form of paper (or adhesive) money long before modern banknotes became common in the region.

The Road to the Rupee

As the British Raj expanded its influence, the pressure to standardize currency grew. The transition wasn't overnight. For decades, the Kochi Puthen co-existed with the Travancore Rupee (the currency of its neighbor to the south) and the British Indian Rupee.

By the early 20th century, the Puthen began to retreat from the front lines of trade, becoming more of a ceremonial and administrative unit. Finally, in 1949, following India's independence and the integration of the princely states, the local coins of Kochi were officially retired, making way for the modern Indian Rupee.

Preserving the Legacy

Today, these coins are rare treasures sought after by numismatists worldwide. They serve as a reminder that Kochi was never just a passive participant in global trade; it was a kingdom with its own voice, its own symbols, and its own unique way of measuring value.

The next time you walk through the historic streets of Fort Kochi, remember that beneath the modern pavement lies a history of silver conch shells and golden fanams—the untold story of a kingdom's economic soul.

Enjoyed this deep dive? Watch our full video on the "Lost Coins of Kerala" here: 

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