A Dhow on a well used coin

Kuwait

Like many other middle eastern countries, Kuwait is an Emirate, ruled by an Emir. From e.gov.kw: “Al Otob tribe fled to State of Kuwait away from the terrible drought which perished the Arab Peninsula. They chose Sabah bin Jaber as their governor in 1756. As time passed, the small town of Kuwait benefited from its location overlooking the head of the Arabian Gulf and thrived through trade, fishing and pearl fishery. Hence, Kuwait became one of the most prosperous countries in the region. Since 1756, fourteen rulers from Al Sabah family ruled Kuwait.”

In the late 1800s, Kuwait came into dispute with the Ottoman Empire. Kuwait received protection from Britain in 1899. This relationship continued until the full independence of Kuwait in 1961.

Nestled in between Saudi Arabia and Iraq at the tip of the Persian Gulf, Kuwait is 17,818 Sq Km (6,880 Sq Mi). This is barely 20% of the size of the UAE, covered recently. Kuwaiti Ports are the window for the State to the external world. They contributed much to Kuwait’s economic and constructional development. There are also markets near a number of the seaports.

Obverse

The obverse contains the value in Arabic within circle. State name in Arabic above, and in English below.

Numista lists 17 circulating coins for Kuwait. Aside from the year and the value, the design of each is the same (both obverse and reverse).

Coins for Kuwait have been issued by the Royal Mint in the UK. Kuwait has also issued 79 non-circulating coins. Some feature the same overall design (often in Gold), in values from 1 Fil to 100 Dinars (1 Dinar = 1,000 Fils).

Reverse

The reverse of the coin features a “Boom sailing ship, a type of dhow, sailing to the left with a small flag on the right side. Islamic and Gregorian dates in Arabic below”. As with neighbouring countries, the local calendar is the Islamic calendar, and the coin features the date in both Islamic and Gregorian.

Looking up the Dhow, I found a replica of a very similar vessel which had been presented to the United Nations. That page explains the history of the ship: “The Dhow is a type of cargo commercial ship used in the Persian Gulf, East Africa, and Indian Ocean regions from as far back as 1,500 years or more until today. These thin hulled ships are used to carry heavy items, like fruit, fresh water, dates, fish and often pearls, with only wind and sails as a means of propulsion. This transportation enabled the societies within the regions to exchange foods, language and culture. Overcoming the hardships of the environment means a strength and determination for those that operated these vessels.

The Kuwaiti have, since the beginning of their economic and social activity, engaged in the building of commercial vessels and conducted diving in an effort to control the harsh environment. Here two productive patterns predominated; the first was pearl diving, and second was the sector of trade and commodity bartering between posts in India and Africa’s east coast, as they were trading for their daily needs. The Dhow is a symbol of the past and a link to the future continuity of human interaction and building bonds between peoples to ensure the continuation of life.”

I do like ships on coins. What is your favourite ship on a coin? Do share below!