Zakah on old and modern coins and currencies

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Q: My hobby is collecting old and modern coins and currencies. Is Zakah (obligatory charity) due on these currencies that I have collected? Please, bear in mind that it is merely a hobby and I do not profit from them. Kindly, reply.

A: Zakah is due on currency that is in general use and is not waived if it reaches the Nisab (the minimum amount on which Zakah is due) on its own, or other money and commercial commodities once the Hawl (one lunar year calculated from the time a property reaches the minimum amount upon which Zakah is due) has passed after owning them. The amount of Zakah in such case is 2.5%.However, there are two probabilities regarding obsolete currencies that has phased out. First: if it is of gold or silver, Zakah due on gold or silver (not as currency) will be payable if it reaches the Nisab and the Hawl has passed. Second: if it is not of gold or silver, there is no Zakah due on it, unless it is for trade and reaches the Nisab; in which case the Zakah due on commercial commodity is payable.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.