The Museo de Mallorca has added a unique piece to its numismatic collection: a silver dirham minted on the island in the year 1044 AD, during the rule of Ali Iqbal al-Dawla. It is the oldest coin in the collection and represents a significant testimony to Mallorca’s history during the Islamic period.

Photo: Consell de Mallorca.

The acquisition was made by the Consell de Mallorca through the Ibercoin auction house for a price of €408. The coin, weighing 2.48 grams, represents the beginning of coin production on the island and will be displayed in the museum’s permanent collection.

A Window to the Past

The president of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, highlighted the importance of this addition: “Promoting the conservation and dissemination of our heritage is a firm commitment of this legislature. With this acquisition, we enrich the Museo de Mallorca collection with a unique piece that helps us better understand our history and identity.”

Meanwhile, the vice-president of the Consell and councillor for Culture and Heritage, Antònia Roca, emphasised the historical and artistic value of the dirham, stating that “it is not only a valuable example of the art and economy of the time, but also holds unique historical significance as it marks the beginning of coin production in Mallorca. It is a window to the past.”

The Museo de Mallorca, which in 2024 reached a record of nearly 47,000 visitors, continues to establish itself as a cultural landmark on the island.

Museo de Mallorca Information

📍 Address: Portella 5, Palma

📞 Phone: 971 59 79 95

⏰ Opening Hours:

    • Monday: Closed
    • Tuesday: 9:00 – 14:00
    • Wednesday: 9:00 – 19:00
    • Thursday: 9:00 – 19:00
    • Friday: 9:00 – 14:00
    • Saturday: 9:00 – 14:00
    • Sunday: 9:00 – 14:00