The value of the 50-halala coins that the Cabinet approved to be minted is the highest ever, according to a report by the economic research unit at Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper.

The Cabinet approved on Monday the minting of 400 million 50-halala coins, worth SR200 million, recording a 35 percent growth. This is translated to SR69.4 million, in comparison to a year before in 2012.

The value of the 50-halala coins amounted to SR130.6 million, registering a 9-percent growth against a year before, at SR119.5 million in 2011.

When measuring the growth rate of the newly issued currency in comparison with 2003, during a time period of 10 years, it is clear that growth increased to more than one-and-a-half times from its levels in 2003. This equals SR123.6 million. The value of the currency amounted to SR76.4 million in 2003.

Looking at the development of the currency over the 25 years, since 1988, one finds it has grown to more than four times, 438 percent translated to SR162.8 million, from SR37.2 million in 1988 to SR200 million.

The total value of halalas issued in 2012 amounted to SR273.6 million, where the 50-halala category acquired the biggest percentage of the value. This SR130.6 million equaled 48 percent of the issued halala coins.

Following this came the quarter of riyal, 25 halalas, at SR67 million. This equaled 24 percent of the issued currency. Then came the one riyal, 100 halalas, worth SR32.8 million and equaling 12 percent. The five halala coins equaled a percentage of 3 percent and are worth SR8.2 million. The 20 halalas, at 1 percent, are worth SR2.5 million. Last, but not least came the one halala at 0.13 percent and a value of SR355,600.