Sunken Treasures Exhibition in Jeddah Highlights Al-Shu’aybah Islamic Coin Hoard

The “Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea” exhibition at the Red Sea Museum in Jeddah features Al-Shu’aybah treasure coins, a hoard of Islamic silver coins recovered from a shipwreck off the coast of Al-Shu’aybah, a historic port linked to serving pilgrims traveling to Makkah.

 Dating from 1225 to 1350 CE, the coins shed light on regional trade networks and economic exchange across the Red Sea during that period, offering valuable insight into the area’s maritime and commercial history.

 The significance of Al-Shu’aybah treasure coins is further underscored by their recovery after being taken outside the Kingdom, in an effort that reflects ongoing initiatives to protect cultural heritage and preserve archaeological artifacts.

 Around 300 silver coins were successfully recovered from the hoard, which is estimated to have originally contained approximately 5,000 pieces.

 Running until May 29, the exhibition offers a rich cultural and educational experience through visual displays and interactive technologies. The artifacts recovered from the Red Sea stand as evidence of long-standing maritime navigation and centuries of cultural and commercial exchange.