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- Spot Silver Price: $32.32
Silver coins were in regular circulation in Syria. The values below represent the intrinsic value of silver coins from Syria.
Syria silver coins that are in uncirculated condition, or that may be rare and collectible may also have numismatic value. You can use this table as a guide when buying and selling circulated silver coins from Syria.
The melt values are calculated and displayed in USD based on the today's silver spot price of $32.32 per troy ounce.
| Denomination / Currency | Years Minted | Fineness | Gross Weight (g) | ASW (g) | ASW (oz t) | Melt Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Piastres | 1929 | .680 | 2 | 1.36 | .0437 | $1.41 |
| 25 Piastres | 1929- 1937 | .680 | 5 | 3.40 | .1093 | $3.53 |
| 25 Qirsh | 1947 | .600 | 2.5 | 1.50 | .0482 | $1.56 |
| 50 Piastres | 1929- 1937 | .680 | 10 | 6.80 | .2186 | $7.07 |
| 50 Qirsh | 1947 | .600 | 5 | 3.00 | .0965 | $3.12 |
| 1 Lira | 1950 | .680 | 9.9 | 6.73 | .2164 | $6.99 |
The use of silver coins in Syria dates back to ancient times. Under the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE), silver coins called sigloi were minted and used extensively in trade. These coins often bore images of Persian kings or deities.
After Alexander the Great conquered the region in the late 4th century BCE, Syria became part of the Hellenistic world. The Seleucid Empire, which ruled Syria, minted silver coins called tetradrachms. These coins typically featured the image of the ruling monarch on one side and a deity or symbolic figure on the other.
During the Roman and Byzantine periods, silver coins continued to be widely used in Syria. Roman emperors issued denarii and later argentei, while the Byzantine Empire minted miliaresia. These coins often depicted emperors and Christian symbols.
With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, the Umayyad Caliphate, which had its capital in Damascus, began minting silver dirhams. These coins usually featured inscriptions in Arabic and verses from the Quran. The tradition of minting silver dirhams continued under successive Islamic dynasties, including the Abbasids, Ayyubids, and Mamluks.
During the Ottoman Empire (1516–1918), Syria was integrated into the empire's monetary system. The Ottomans issued silver coins called akçes and later kurushes. These coins often featured the sultan's tughra (a calligraphic signature) and various Islamic motifs.
In the 20th century, Syria transitioned to modern coinage systems. After gaining independence from French mandate in 1946, the Syrian government issued its own currency, including silver coins for higher denominations. However, over time, the use of silver in everyday coinage has diminished due to the rising cost of the metal.
Today, while silver coins are no longer in widespread circulation, they remain a significant part of Syria's rich numismatic heritage and are collected by enthusiasts around the world.