Top
header Notes Collection

1/2 Rial 1977, Oman

in Krause book Number: 16а
Years of issue: 1977
Edition:
Signatures: Chairman, Central Bank of Oman: Tarik bin Taimur
Serie: Third Series
Specimen of: 1977
Material: Cotton fiber
Size (mm): 137 x 74
Printer: TDLR (Thomas de la Rue & Company), London

* All pictures marked magnify are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.

** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.

1/2 Rial 1977

Description

Watermark:

watermark

Emblem of Oman.

Security thread.

Avers:

1/2 Rial 1977

emblem

On right side is the national emblem of Oman (شعار سلطنة عمان‎). It is an insignia consisting of a khanjar inside its sheath that is superimposed upon two crossed swords. Adopted in the XVIII century as the badge of the Omani royal family, it subsequently became the national emblem of the Sultanate of Oman. The emblem is featured at the canton on the Flag of Oman.

The national emblem was first designed in the mid-18th century, when it was adopted as the royal crest of the Al Said dynasty. Its usage was expanded when it subsequently became the national emblem of the sultanate. This occurred during the reign of either Faisal bin Turki (1888-1913) or Taimur bin Feisal (1913-1932). The emblem was later incorporated onto the canton of the country's national flag in 1970. Moreover, in order to distinguish "directly royal entities" and create a distinct symbol for these organizations, a crown was added to the top of the national emblem. This modified insignia is utilized on the badges of all branches of Sultan's Armed Forces, including the Royal Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Guard, and Royal Oman Police - among many others.

According to the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the khanjar - along with the two crossed swords - symbolize the historic weapons utilized by the people of Oman. They are attached together by an embellished horse-bit at the center. The khanjar itself is a national symbol of the sultanate, and is still worn by Omani men as a "ceremonial dagger" for formal occasions. It is a ceremonial dagger with its abundantly decorated sheath, traditionally made of rhinoceros-horn, highly appreciated in the arab world and for that reason contributes substantially to the extinction of the rhinoceros in Africa.

Denominations are in top corners, centered in words.

Revers:

1/2 Rial 1977

Samail fort Samail fort

Samāʾil (Arabic: سَمَائِل‎) is a Wilayah (province) located in Ad-Dakhiliyah Region of the Sultanate of Oman.

The valley or wadi of Sama'il, also referred to as the "Sumail Gap", divides Al Hajar Mountains into the Eastern and Western subranges. A route from the coast to the country's interior traverses the valley. The gap extends about 60 km. (37 mi.) from the coast and Muscat Airport on one hand to Sama'il on the other. The route ends at Izki, and acts as the main road from Muscat to Nizwa. The highest point in the gap is above 2,000 ft. (610 m.) above sea level..

Samail fort Samail fort

Samail Fort is a historical place, built 300 years ago. Ministry of Tourism restored it in 2008. It is located in Sufalit Samail. It was built on top of a hill; if you go there you would have a beautiful view of Samail. It is surrounded by trees, palms, farms and old traditional houses. And on the opposite side, there is Samail Wadi. The fort was used to defend the city against internal and external invaders, and it was also used as a prison for outlaws too. It also has so many rooms and towers, the Wali of Samail and the Supreme Judge of Samail used to live inside the living quarters of the fort. (samail825.blogspot.com).

Denominations are in lower corners, lower centered in words.

Comments: