Expert: Brad Swain - 9/14/2007

Question
I just recently discovered that, instead of getting a quarter in change, I got a coin (about the size of a quarter) from the United Arab Emirates.  One side has some Arabic writing, along with "United Arab Emirates" in alphabetic lettering; the other side is of a tall carafe or lamp.  Could you tell me what denomination this coin is?

Answer
Hi Jeff, this is a copper-nickel 1 Dirham from the U.A.E. and features a jug. The dates in Arabic are below the jug and are the Muslim and Christian dates (1973AD or later). Collector value of a coin depends on date, mint mark (if any), number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning as well as collector demand for it.
This one may be worth from about .25 up to maybe $2.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad