Whether it’s an Iranian dinar, Palestine mil, Saudi Arabian riyal, Turkish kurus, or Israeli lira, Middle Eastern coins offer a window on the changing political landscape of this historic and storied region.

For example, many Iranian coins from the second half of the 19th century feature a portrait of Nasir Al-Din Shah, who ruled the nation from 1848 until his assassination in 1896. Gold 10-toman coins featuring the shah in his trademark, feathered hat are popular with collectors. The Pahlavi dynasty, which began in 1925 and continued until the overthrow of Mohammad Reza in 1979, were also depicted on rials and dinars, as well as on a new denomination called the Pahlavi.

Palestine coins of bronze, copper, and silver were minted by Great Britain—which administered what is now Jordan and Israel for the League of Nations—from 1927 until 1946. A total of only 59 coins were issued during these years, in denominations from one to 100 mils, making this a highly attainable set for collectors.