Description

Qaboos bin Said Al Said (1940–2020) was the Sultan of Oman from 23 July 1970 until his death. A fifteenth-generation descendant of the founder of the House of Al Said, he was the longest-serving leader in the Middle East and Arab world at the time of his death.

Obverse

Depicts the National Emblem of Oman, surrounded by the country name on the right, value in Arabic on the left, date in Hijri above, numeral value below.

The national emblem of Oman is an insignia consisting of a khanjar inside its sheath that is superimposed upon two crossed swords. Adopted in the 18th 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.

A khanjar (Arabic: خنجر‎‎, Persian: خنجر‎‎, Turkish: Hançer) is a traditional dagger originating from Oman. Worn by men for ceremonial occasions, it is a short curved sword shaped like the letter "J" and resembles a hook. It can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the quality of its craftsmanship. It is a popular souvenir among tourists and is sold in souqs throughout the region. A national symbol of the sultanate, the khanjar is featured on the country's national emblem and on the Omani rial. It is also utilized in logos and commercial imagery by companies based in Oman.

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سلطنة عمان
نصف ريال
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Reverse

Depicts an outer view of Mirbat Castle, inscription in Arabic above.

Commissioned by Sultan Said bin Taimur in the 13th century, Mirbat Castle was built as a protective measure for the northern regions after the destructive floods of 1948. Covering around 467 square meters and towering at a height of 12 meters, the fort featured a ground floor comprising a gathering hall, prison, and storage areas for supplies and weapons. On the second floor were living quarters for the wali's family and barracks for the stationed soldiers.

حصن مرباط

Edge

1/2 Rial

KM# 58 Schön# 65 Fr# 8
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.917
Weight 19.67 g
Diameter 29 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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