Why Do Saifs Have Coins at their Hilt Chains??

[M.carter]

Hello All,

I just got a new saif from Janadriya. Boy did I see so much swords and daggers. I was intrigued by the sight of coins on sword hilts. Almost every arab saif have one on the chain. Is there a reason or an implication behind this? Or is it purely decorative (although strange)? Does Mr. Robert Elgood have anything to say about this?

Thanks.