Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 1/2 Rial 1994, KM# 111, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, 250th Anniversary of Busaid Dynasty
  • 1/2 Rial 1994, KM# 111, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, 250th Anniversary of Busaid Dynasty
Description

The House of Busaid, also known as the Al Said dynasty, currently rules Oman and was formerly the ruling royal house of the Omani Empire (1744–1856), the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman (1856–1970), and the Sultanate of Zanzibar (1856–1964). It was established by Ahmad bin Said al-Busaidi, who was the ruler of Oman and its East African territories at the time.

The Busaid dynasty's origins can be traced back to the Azd tribes through a patrilineal ancestor named al-'Atik b. al-Asad b. Imran, who settled in Dibba (Dabá). Consequently, the group was also referred to as the "Azd of Daba". Like other Qahtani tribes, the Azd initially migrated from Yemen to the north following the destruction of the Marib Dam.

During the rise of Islam, the Azd emerged as a prominent force in the Muslim conquests and later within the domains of the Umayyad Caliphate, primarily due to the renowned general Al Muhallab ibn Abi Suffrah (Abu Said), who is considered the progenitor of the Busaid tribe. Most early sections of pre-Islamic universal Arab chronicles begin with the Azd.

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 a multicolored portrait of Sultan Qaboos facing, full beard and wearing a traditional Omani headdress and a turban divided date Western (left) and Arabic (right) years surrounded by the inscription "Qaboos bin Said Sultan of Oman" above in Arabic and English below inside an Islamic ornament.

Atop the men's heads lies a headdress that comprises a turban called mussar and a cap called kummah. In rural parts of Oman, some men wear a traditional headband called the mahfif. The woolen turban-like mussar is typically worn at work by Omani men.

قابوس بن سعيد - سلطان عمان
1994 ١٩٩٤
QABOOS BIN SAID - SULTAN OF OMAN

Reverse

Depicts the National Emblem of Oman dividing denomination in Arabic and English, surrounded by the inscription in Arabic above and English below inside an Islamic ornament.

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.

ذكرى مرور ٢٥٠ عاما على حكم أسرة البوسعيد
1/2 RIAL ١/٢ ريال
250 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALBU-SAID DYNASTY

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.3 mm
Thickness 2.37 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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250th Anniversary of Busaid Dynasty

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