Obverse. Photo © SINCONA
  • 100 Dinars 1978, KM# 12, Bahrain, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Opening of the New Headquarters Building of the Bahrain Monetary Agency
  • 100 Dinars 1978, KM# 12, Bahrain, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Opening of the New Headquarters Building of the Bahrain Monetary Agency
Description

Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (1933–1999) was the 1st emir of Bahrain from 1961 until his death. Born in Jasra, he became emir upon the death of his father, Salman ibn Hamad. During his 38 years as Emir, the economic transformation of Bahrain into a modern nation and a key financial center in the Persian Gulf area took place. Nevertheless, critics note that he also dissolved Parliament, giving absolute power to the royal family.

The Central Bank of Bahrain originated in 1973 under the name Bahrain Monetary Agency, following Bahrain's independence from the United Kingdom. Decree No. 64 of 2006 officially transformed the Bahrain Monetary Agency into the Central Bank of Bahrain, according to the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law.

Obverse

Depicts a portrait of Sheikh Isa bin Salman facing left wearing a traditional cloak and headpiece.

The traditional men's headwear in some Middle Eastern areas consists of three components: a knitted skull-cap known as the "keffiyeh," (also referred to as a ghutrah, shemagh, or ḥaṭṭah) a large cotton headscarf, typically plain white or with a red-and-white checkered pattern, called the "ghutra," and a black cord named the "agal," which secures the ghutra in place.

Engraver: Michael Rizzello

Reverse

Depicts Bahrain's coat of arms surrounded by a date in Arabic and English inside a circle, a state name in Arabic above and English below, and denomination on both sides.

The current coat of arms of Bahrain is a coat of arms that was originally designed in 1932 by Charles Belgrave, the British governor and adviser to the then-Sheik of Bahrain. The design has undergone slight modifications since then, namely in 1971 in 2002 when mantling and the indentations of the chief were modified respectively, but the influence of the original design is still clearly visible in the modern blazon.

دينار ١٠٠ البحرين
١٣٩٨ - ١٩٧٨
1398 - 1978
· DINARS 100 BAHRAIN ·

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.917
Weight 31.96 g
Diameter 36 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal