Saudi Arabian 50 Halalas (Brass) Coin
Coin/Bullion · Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA). The Royal Mint of the United Kingdom often serves as a primary manufacturer for Saudi coinage.
Pattern: Fifth Series (2016-Present) Currency Issue Featuring King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA). The Royal Mint of the United Kingdom often serves as a primary manufacturer for Saudi coinage.
Material
Brass (not silver). This is a base metal circulating coin composed primarily of Copper and Zinc. It contains no silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.0 mm; Weight: approx. 5.25 grams; Thickness: 1.7 mm.
Description
This is a standard circulation brass coin from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, worth 50 Halalas (0.50 Riyals). While it possesses a golden/yellow hue reminiscent of low-carat gold or certain brassy silver alloys, it is a base metal coin used for daily transactions. The design reflects modern Saudi numismatic aesthetics, incorporating traditional Islamic geometric scrollwork and bilingual text.
Key Features
Large '50' numeric denomination, floral/arabesque border accents, gold-tone brass composition, and bilingual Arabic/English text.
Material & Composition
Brass (not silver). This is a base metal circulating coin composed primarily of Copper and Zinc. It contains no silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-finish brass. Features the numeral 50 in the center, 'FIFTY HALALAS' in English and Arabic, and decorative scrollwork/arabesque patterns at the top and bottom of the obverse/reverse fields.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silversmith hallmarks; stamped with denomination '50' and the Arabic inscription 'خمسون هللة' (Fifty Halalas).
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coin, machine-minted on a pre-cut brass planchet with a plain/smooth edge.
Functional Features
Monetary exchange; reeded or smooth edges for tactile identification (this specific brass 50 Halala typically has a smooth or slightly interrupted edge).
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (circular coin form).
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced high-speed minting. The relief is sharp and consistent, with clean letterforms typical of modern computer-aided die engraving.
Authentication Indicators
Weight, diameter, and magnetic properties are consistent with official SAMA specifications for the 2016 currency series.
Origin & Manufacturing
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; likely minted through a contract with a major international mint such as the Royal Mint (UK) or Monnaie de Paris on behalf of SAMA.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Modern Era (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Salman era, introduced 2016).
Age Estimate
Produced between 2016 and the present day.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the modernization of the Saudi economy and the transition of the Kingdom's coinage to include bilingual English text to accommodate an international workforce and growing tourism.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition. Shows minor surface abrasions, fingerprints, and localized oxidation typical of copper-based alloys in contact with skin oils. Grade: Very Fine (VF).
Value Estimate
Face value of 0.50 Saudi Riyal (approx. $0.13 USD). Collector value is minimal unless in Proof or uncirculated condition ($1 - $2 USD).
Care & Maintenance
As a base metal coin, it should be kept dry to avoid verdigris. Cleaning with harsh chemicals or silver polish is not recommended as it will strip the coin's natural luster; a simple micro-fiber cloth is sufficient.
Similar Pieces
Saudi Arabian 25 Halalas (similar brass, smaller), Saudi Arabian 1 Riyal (Bi-metallic, silver-colored center with brass ring), and older 50 Halala Cupro-nickel variants (silver-colored, issued prior to 2016).
Interesting Facts
The 50 Halala coin is often used in daily Saudi life for small purchases; it is exactly half of one Saudi Riyal. The 2016 series marked a major redesign of Saudi currency to align with Vision 2030.