United Arab Emirates 1 Dirham Coin (Dallah Coffee Pot)
Currency / Coin · Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates; minted at various locations including the Royal Mint (UK) and Berlin Mint.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Emirati Dirham; Dallah Design
Type
Currency / Coin
Maker
Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates; minted at various locations including the Royal Mint (UK) and Berlin Mint.
Material
Copper-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a core or as a solid alloy); Not solid silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24mm; Thickness: 1.9mm; Weight: 6.4 grams.
Description
This is a standard circulation 1 Dirham coin from the United Arab Emirates. While it has a 'silvery' appearance due to its cupro-nickel composition, it contains no precious silver. The face features the iconic Dallah coffee pot, a symbol of Emirati hospitality, and the bottom curvature displays the dates in both the Islamic (Hijri) and Gregorian calendars.
Key Features
The central Dallah motif, the copper-nickel metallic grey color, and the specific Arabic numerals for the Hijri year 1425 and Gregorian year 2005.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a core or as a solid alloy); Not solid silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/circulation luster; Features a relief of a traditional Arabian Dallah (coffee pot). Edge is reeded/milled. Includes Arabic script and Hijri/Gregorian dates.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Reverse features the denomination inside a circle and the country title in Arabic. Obverse features the Dallah. No silver purity marks as it is base metal.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck/milled coinage. Machine-manufactured for mass circulation.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency used for small transactions in the UAE.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced by high-speed industrial minting presses using hardened steel dies for consistent relief and detail.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and diameter consistency with UAE Central Bank specifications; crispness of the Arabic lettering; standard reeded edge.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Arab Emirates (Issued); various international mints used for production.
Era & Period
Modern Era; Post-Unification United Arab Emirates (1973-Present).
Age Estimate
Produced between 1425 AH / 2005 AD and the present, based on visible date markings.
Cultural Significance
Highly significant in UAE culture as a daily reminder of Bedouin traditions and the value of welcoming guests.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible light scratches, surface oxidation (toning), and minor impact marks on the rim. Grade: Fine to Very Fine.
Value Estimate
Face value is 1 AED (approx. $0.27 USD). Collector value for a circulated modern specimen is negligible.
Care & Maintenance
No polishing required as it is base metal; keep dry to avoid green oxidation (verdigris). Professional cleaning is not recommended for coins as it destroys numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
Different commemorative 1 Dirham coins exist with logos for special events (Expo 2020, Year of Zayed), but the Dallah is the standard design.
Interesting Facts
The Dallah featured on the coin is a traditional Arabic coffee pot used for centuries to brew and serve Qahwa (spiced coffee), representing the cornerstone of Arab hospitality.