Saudi Arabia's coin history dates back to the establishment of the modern state in 1932. The country initially used various currencies from neighboring regions before introducing its own coinage. In 1925, the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd, the precursor to Saudi Arabia, issued its first coins, including the qirsh and riyal.
In 1935, after the unification under King Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia minted its own coins, the Saudi qirsh and riyal. The coins featured Arabic script and Islamic motifs, reflecting the country's cultural and religious heritage.
Saudi Arabia's coins are issued by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA). The coins in circulation include denominations of 1 halala, 5 halalas, 10 halalas, 25 halalas, 50 halalas, 1 riyal and 2 riyal. The halala is a subunit of the riyal, with 100 halalas equaling 1 riyal. The designs often feature the Saudi emblem, which includes a palm tree and crossed swords, symbolizing the country's prosperity and strength.
Saudi coins have evolved in design and material over the years. Early coins were made of silver, but modern coins are typically composed of base metals like nickel and copper, reflecting changes in economic and technological conditions.
