The United Arab Emirates 1 Dirham coin of 1973 (AH 1393) is one of the earliest circulating coins issued after the UAE’s formation in 1971, making it a historically significant piece that marks the birth of the nation’s unified currency. The 1973 issue belongs to the large‑type copper‑nickel series, minted by the Royal Mint (UK) with a substantial mintage of 13 million pieces.
🇦🇪 Overview
Country: United Arab Emirates
Year: 1973 (AH 1393)
Denomination: 1 Dirham
Series: Large‑type circulation coin (1973–1989)
Mint: Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom
Mintage: 13,000,000
Catalog: KM #6.1
This coin represents the UAE’s transition from disparate emirate currencies to a unified national monetary system shortly after independence.
🪙 Physical Specifications
This makes it one of the heavier and larger dirham coins ever issued, later replaced by smaller types.
🔍 Obverse Design
The obverse features:
The denomination “1 Dirham” in Arabic numerals
Surrounded by the inscription “الإمارات العربية المتحدة” (United Arab Emirates)
Lettering appears in both Arabic and Latin scripts
This clean, text‑focused design emphasizes clarity and national identity.
🔍 Reverse Design
The reverse displays:
The dallah is a powerful cultural symbol of hospitality and heritage across the Arabian Peninsula.
🏛 Historical Context
The 1973 1 Dirham coin was issued during the UAE’s earliest years as a unified nation:
The UAE was founded in 1971, ending British oversight.
By 1973, the country introduced its own national currency, replacing the Qatar–Dubai Riyal and Bahraini Dinar in different emirates.
This coin reflects the first generation of UAE national coinage, symbolizing unity and economic independence.
The Royal Mint’s involvement ensured high production quality during the UAE’s formative monetary years.
