Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has launched an exciting scientific initiative to document one of the world’s rarest collections of Islamic coins, preserved in Milan.
The project will take a closer look at these historic treasures, uncovering the economic and cultural stories they hold about the rise and evolution of Islamic civilization. Through this effort, the coins become more than just currency; they transform into a window into the past, highlighting Islam’s enduring influence on global history.
A Collection Spanning Centuries
The remarkable trove, preserved for decades at Sforzesco Castle, includes 1,103 coins spanning multiple eras. Among its most notable pieces is the oldest known Arab-Islamic dinar, dated 77 AH, a rare artifact that offers a glimpse into the early days of Islamic monetary history.
The collection features coins minted across diverse Islamic regions and historical periods, providing a fascinating record of how currency reflected the administrative systems, trade networks, and cultural exchanges that defined the Islamic Golden Age.
A Collaborative Effort to Preserve Heritage
Supported by the Sharjah Book Authority in partnership with the Arabic Cultural Institute at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, the initiative aims to revive awareness of Islamic heritage in Italy while making the collection accessible to researchers and specialists around the world.
The resulting publication is expected to become an important reference for scholars, offering a carefully documented and visually rich account of Islamic coinage and its historical significance.
H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, highlighted the academic importance of the project.
The study will inspire researchers as well as culture, history, and economy experts to explore their civilization’s achievements. Moreover, it will encourage younger generations to take pride in their identity and culture.
A Hidden Treasure Revealed
Despite its historical importance, the collection had long remained largely unknown within academic circles. Stored quietly in a museum inside the castle, it had never been fully documented or studied, leaving a surprising gap in the historical record.
This initiative shines a light on the rich economic heritage of the Islamic age while paving the way for a publication that will serve as a valuable reference for scholars for years to come. At the same time, it helps strengthen cultural and historical ties between the Arab world and Italy, bringing a shared legacy back into the spotlight.
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