Bahrain Coinage: 1965-1997
under Emir: Isa II ibn Salman II Al-Khalifah
 
Before the formation of UAE and independence of other Gulf states in 1971, Indian Rupee and Gulf Rupee were commonly used in this region. In the early to mid 20th century, the Indian Rupee was extensively used as currency in the countries of the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula. To reduce the strain put on India's foreign reserves by gold smuggling caused by this external use of the rupee, a separate currency was created. The Gulf rupee was introduced by the Indian government in 1959 as a replacement for the Indian Rupee, for circulation exclusively outside the country. At the time, the Indian Rupee was pegged to the British Pound at a rate of 13⅓ rupees = 1 pound. Two states, Kuwait and Bahrain, replaced the Gulf Rupee with their own currencies (the Kuwaiti Dinar and the Bahraini Dinar) after gaining independence from Britain in 1961 and 1965, respectively. Kuwaiti Dinar was equal to 13⅓ Rupees or 1 British Pound and Bahrani Dinar became equal to 10 Rupees or 0.75 British Pound.
 
British Protectorate: Government of Bahrain
Currency: Dinar = 1000 fils.
 
1965 - AH 1385
 

KM#1 1 Fils. Year: 1965 - AH1385. Weight: 1.50g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 15.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "1" at the top. "فلس" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 1,500,000 + 12,000 Proof. Minted Years: 1965-1966. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#2 5 Fils. Year: 1965 - AH1385. Weight: 2.00g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 18.50 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "5" at the top. "فلوس" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 8,000,000 + 12,000 Proof. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#3 10 Fils. Year: 1965 - AH1385. Weight: 4.75g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 23.50 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "10" at the top. "فلوس" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 8,500,000 + 12,000 Proof. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#4 25 Fils. Year: 1965 - AH1385. Weight: 1.75g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 16.50 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "25" at the top. "فلسا" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 11,250,000 + 12,000 Proof. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#5 50 Fils. Year: 1965 - AH1385. Weight: 3.10g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 20.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "50" at the top. "فلسا" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 6,909,000 + 12,000 Proof. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#6 100 Fils. Year: 1965 - AH1385. Weight: 6.50g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 25.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "100" at the top. "فلس" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 6,909,000 + 12,000 Proof. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.
 
1966 - AH 1386
 

KM#1 1 Fils. Year: 1966 - AH1386. Weight: 1.50g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 1.50 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "1" at the top. "فلس" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 1,500,000 + N/A Proof. Minted Years: 1965-1966. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.
 
1968 - AH 1388
 

KM#8 500 Fils. Year: 1968 - AH1388. Weight: 18.30g. Metal: 0.800 silver. Diameter: 34.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: In outer circle at the top: "مدينة عيسى" (Isa Town). Bahrain Coats and Arms in center hexagon with dates on both sides; "البحرين" at the top, "1388-1968" on the left side, "١٣٨٨-١٩٦٨" on the right side and "BAHRAIN" at the bottom. Value "٥٠٠فلس" written anti-clockwise on left side and "500 FILS" anticlockwise at the right side; outside the center circle. "ISA TOWN at the bottom outside the center circle.  Reverse: Isa bin Salman portrait facing left. Mintage: 50,000 + N/A Proof. Minted Years: One year type but 1983 dated coin has been produced with 0.925 silver fineness. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.
 
1969 - AH 1389
 

KM#7 250 Fils. Year: 1969 - AH1389. Weight: 15.00g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 32.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in front and Dory in the background. Dates "١٩٦٩-١٣٨٩" on the left side clockwise and 1969-1389" on the right side clockwise. "GOVERNMENT OF BAHRAIN" at the bottom. Reverse: FAO logo in center. Denomination written "250 FILS" on left and "فلس٢٥٠" on right at the bottom. Mintage: 50,000 + N/A Proof. Minted Years: 1969 and 1983. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.
 
Coinage after independence - Government of Bahrain
 
1983 - AH 1403
 

KM#7 250 Fils. Year: 1983 - AH1403. Weight: 14.74g [15.00g]. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 32.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in front and Dory in the background. Dates "١٩٨٣ - ١٤٠٣" on the left side clockwise and 1983-1403" on the right side clockwise. "GOVERNMENT OF BAHRAIN" at the bottom. Reverse: FAO logo in center. Denomination written "250 FILS" on left and "فلس٢٥٠" on right at the bottom. Mintage: 3,000. Minted Years: 1969 and 1983. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.
 
The below silver coin set were issued by Bahrain Monetary Agency on 09th July 1984, minted by the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom. This set was issued to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bahrain Monetary Agency 1973-1983. The certificate of authenticity has been signed by Khalifa Bin Sulman Al-Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bahrain Monetary Agency.
 

KM#1a 1 Fils. Year: 1983 - AH1403. Weight: 1.50g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 15.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "1" at the top. "فلس" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 15,000. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#2a 5 Fils. Year: 1983 - AH1403. Weight: 2.00g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 18.50 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "5" at the top. "فلوس" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 15,000. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#3a 10 Fils. Year: 1983 - AH1403. Weight: 4.75g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 23.50 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "10" at the top. "فلوس" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 15,000. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#4a 25 Fils. Year: 1983 - AH1403. Weight: 1.75g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 16.50 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "25" at the top. "فلسا" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 15,000. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#5a 50 Fils. Year: 1983 - AH1403. Weight: 3.10g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 20.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "50" at the top. "فلسا" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: 15,000. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#6a 100 Fils. Year: 1983 - AH1403. Weight: 6.50g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 25.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in center circle. Date at the bottom. Reverse: Numeral "100" at the top. "فلس" (fils) in the center and "BAHRAIN" written at the bottom. Mintage: Mintage: 15,000. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#7a 250 Fils. Year: 1983 - AH1403. Weight: 15.00g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 32.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: "حكومة البحرين" (Government of Bahrain) written above. Palm tree in front and Dory in the background. Dates "١٩٨٣ - ١٤٠٣" on the left side clockwise and 1983-1403" on the right side clockwise. "GOVERNMENT OF BAHRAIN" at the bottom. Reverse: FAO logo in center. Denomination written "250 FILS" on left and "فلس٢٥٠" on right at the bottom. Mintage: 15,000. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#8a 500 Fils. Year: 1983 - AH1403. Weight: 18.063g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 34.54 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: In outer circle at the top: "مدينة عيسى" (Isa Town). Bahrain Coats and Arms in center hexagon with dates on both sides; "البحرين" at the top, "1403-1983" on the left side, "١٩٨٣ - ١٤٠٣" on the right side and "BAHRAIN" at the bottom. Value "٥٠٠فلس" written anti-clockwise on left side and "500 FILS" anticlockwise at the right side; outside the center circle. "ISA TOWN at the bottom outside the center circle.  Reverse: Isa bin Salman portrait facing left. Mintage: 15,000. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.
 
1986 - AH 1406
 

KM#13 5 Dinars. Year: 1986 - AH1406. Weight: 19.44g. Metal: 0.925 silver. Diameter: 36.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: Goitered Gazelle running left on bushes in center circle with bushes around. "١٤٠٦ البحرين ٥  دينار" and "DINARS 5 BAHRAIN 1986" written in outer circle. Reverse: Isa bin Salman portrait facing left. Mintage: 25,000. Minted Years: 1969 and 1983. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah. Subject: Wildlife Fund.
 
1990 - AH 1410
 

KM#14 5 Dinars. Year: 1990 - AH1410. Weight: 19.44g. Metal: 0.925 silver. Diameter: 36.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: British Royal Mint. Obverse: Four boys playing with ball in the center. "١٤١٠ البحرين ٥  دينار" and "DINARS 5 BAHRAIN 1990" written around. Reverse: Isa bin Salman portrait facing left. Mintage: 20,000. Minted Years: 1969 and 1983. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah. Subject: Save The Children.
 
State of Bahrain Coinage
 
1992 - AH 1412
 

KM#16 5 Fils. Year: 1992 - AH1412. Weight: 2.50g. Metal: Brass. Diameter: 19.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "دولة البحرين" (State of Bahrain) in Arabic at the top. Palm tree in center circle. Date on both sides outside the circle. "STATE OF BAHRAIN" outside the circle at the bottom. Reverse: Numeric "5" denomination back of boxed "فلس" (fils) within circle, chain border. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#17 10 Fils. Year: 1992 - AH1412. Weight: 3.35g. Metal: Brass. Diameter: 21.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "دولة البحرين" (State of Bahrain) in Arabic at the top. Palm tree in center circle. Date on both sides outside the circle. "STATE OF BAHRAIN" outside the circle at the bottom. Reverse: Numeric "10" denomination back of boxed "فلس" (fils) within circle, chain border. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: 1992 and 2000. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#18 25 Fils. Year: 1992 - AH1412. Weight: 3.50g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 19.50 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "دولة البحرين" (State of Bahrain) in Arabic at the top. Ancient drawing in center circle. Date on both sides outside the circle. "STATE OF BAHRAIN" outside the circle at the bottom. Reverse: Numeric "25" denomination back of boxed "فلس" (fils) within circle, chain border. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: 1992 and 2000. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#19 50 Fils. Year: 1992 - AH1412. Weight: 4.50g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 21.50 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "دولة البحرين" (State of Bahrain) in Arabic at the top. Abstract Sailboat in center circle. Date on both sides outside the circle. "STATE OF BAHRAIN" outside the circle at the bottom. Reverse: Numeric "50" denomination back of boxed "فلس" (fils) within circle, chain border. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: 1992 and 2000. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.

KM#20 100 Fils. Year: 1992 - AH1412. Weight: 6.00g. Metal: Bi-Metallic; Copper-Nickel in center and Brass ring. Diameter: 24.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "دولة البحرين" (State of Bahrain) in Arabic at the top. Bahrain's Coats and Arms. Date on both sides outside the circle. "STATE OF BAHRAIN" outside the circle at the bottom. Reverse: Numeric "100" denomination back of boxed "فلس" (fils) within circle, chain border. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: 1992, 1995, 1997 and 2000. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.
 
1995 - AH 1415
 

KM#20 100 Fils. Year: 1995 - AH1415. Weight: 6.00g. Metal: Bi-Metallic; Copper-Nickel in center and Brass ring. Diameter: 24.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "دولة البحرين" (State of Bahrain) in Arabic at the top. Bahrain's Coats and Arms. Date on both sides outside the circle. "STATE OF BAHRAIN" outside the circle at the bottom. Reverse: Numeric "100" denomination back of boxed "فلس" (fils) within circle, chain border. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: 1992, 1995, 1997 and 2000. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.
 
1997 - AH 1417
 

KM#20 100 Fils. Year: 1997 - AH1417. Weight: 6.00g. Metal: Bi-Metallic; Copper-Nickel in center and Brass ring. Diameter: 24.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "دولة البحرين" (State of Bahrain) in Arabic at the top. Bahrain's Coats and Arms. Date on both sides outside the circle. "STATE OF BAHRAIN" outside the circle at the bottom. Reverse: Numeric "100" denomination back of boxed "فلس" (fils) within circle, chain border. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: 1992, 1995, 1997 and 2000. Ruler: Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifah.
 
Earlier coinage of British India and Republic of India used:
  • East India Company (inc. William IV and Victoria)16 Aug 1765 - 30 Sep 1858
  • Victoria.........................................01 Nov 1858 - 22 Jan 1901
  • Edward VII.......................................22 Jan 1901 - 06 May 1910
  • George V.........................................06 May 1910 - 20 Jan 1936
  • George VI........................................12 Dec 1936 - 15 Aug 1947
  • Rajendra Prasad..................................26 Jan 1950 - 13 May 1962
  • Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.........................13 May 1962 - 13 May 1967
Bahrain Coinage:
 
 
 
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