Ali Muhialdin, a man of discerning taste and an ardent aficionado of banknotes, was born in 1945 amidst the splendour of Baghdad, Iraq, into a family of considerable repute.
From his earliest days, he displayed an unwavering fascination for the intricate tap-estry of designs, the kaleidoscope of colours, and the historical narratives woven into paper currency. His journey into banknote collection commenced in 1963 when serendipity intro-duced him to a friend possessing a meticulous-ly crafted wooden chest brimming with coins and banknotes from the bygone era of the Iraqi Kingdom.
The sight of this treasure trove capti-vated young Ali’s imagination, prompting him to approach his mother for funds to acquire the box. From that moment onwards, Ali’s fascination with numismatics blossomed into a lifelong passion blossomed into a lifelong passion. Upon completing his secondary education, Ali journeyed to Germany, where he diligently pursued a diploma in footwear manufacturing technology.
His time abroad afforded him invaluable insights and experiences, laying the foundation for a successful career that awaited him upon his return to Baghdad in 1968. Ali’s acumen propelled him into managing “Rafid,” a footwear manufacturing enterprise in the heart of Baghdad.
Over two decades, under his stewardship, Rafid emerged as one of the nation’s preeminent footwear manufacturers. While his professional pursuits flourished, Ali’s ardour for banknote collection remained undiminished, evolving with time.
“he meticulously replaced some notes with superior quality examples, resulting in a collection widely held to boast the pinnacle of condition and quality worldwide”
Ali’s tenacity led him to attend both local numismatics exhibitions in Baghdad and prestigious international shows across Europe and Asia. Through these endeavours, he fostered invaluable connections with fellow collectors and dealers, steadfastly pursuing elusive banknotes. Among the crowning achievements of Ali’s collection were the rare Iraqi Kingdom banknotes. He resolved to procure all 72 banknotes issued during the Iraq Kingdom era, encompassing varying denominations and signatures. This ambitious achievement became the centrepiece of his collection, showcasing his passion for preserving this unique slice of Iraqi monetary history.
For over six decades, Ali traversed the globe in search of additions to his cherished collection. Amongst those who stood by his side, none were more steadfast than his close confidant and banknote dealer, Mr Mushtaq Sharif. A fervent collector himself, Mushtaq played a pivotal role in Ali’s quest, offering sage advice and assisting in the procurement of exceptionally rare notes, some of which were believed lost to the passage of time.
In the years that followed, he meticulously replaced some notes with superior quality examples, resulting in a collection widely held to boast the pinnacle of condition and quality worldwide. His enthusiasm proved contagious, inspiring a multitude of enthusiasts to embark on their own numismatic journeys, including his own son, who has begun to carve out a prominent niche in the banknotes market.
In the realm of banknotes, Ali Muhialdin continues to be a shining beacon of passion, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Still very active, Ali continues to be a prominent presence in the banknote collecting community. His lifetime of expertise and remarkable collection continue to inspire enthusiasts worldwide, cementing his legacy as a true luminary and pioneer in the field of banknote collection.
“This shipwrecked silver completed its journey to the Royal Mint where it was turned into coins, with the name of the ship used on the edge as a memorial to the Gairsoppa and her crew”