Sharjah 1964 5 Rupees – First Year Memorial of John F Kennedy

Sharjah 1964 5 Rupees

Interesting coin we had not seen before when it was purchased. Minted for Sharjah (which became one of the states of the United Arab Emirates) in 1964. Obverse says “Memorial of John F. Kennedy 1964” along with Arabic script and what may be the designer’s initials (CR) under the bust truncation. Reverse denotes denomination and country along with silver fineness and more Arabic script. Listed by Krause as X#1 with 35mm diameter and weighing 25 grams of 72% silver giving an ASW of 0.5787oz. The X#1 number and the 5 rupees denomination (Dirhams was the currency of Sharjah and the UAE) indicates that the coin may be some sort of fantasy or unofficial release. The unofficial nature of the release is supported by this web page which indicates the coin was released without approval of British Authorities.

Mintage is listed as 33,000 but Krause notes that 18,100 were melted in 1966. We have seen coins with the reverse marked with “PROOF” for sale on eBay. One of these was listed in a red felt lined case with a portrait of JFK and “IN MEMORIAM JOHN F. KENNEDY” embossed in gold on the lid of the case. You can see this box below, image was lifted from an eBay listing of silvernumiz.

Proof Box (image courtesy eBay seller silvernumiz)

Coin Information