Obverse. Photo © SINCONA
  • 1 Rial 1996, KM# 102, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, National Day of Oman, 26th Anniversary
  • 1 Rial 1996, KM# 102, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, National Day of Oman, 26th Anniversary
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.

National Day is an official holiday in the Sultanate of Oman and the main one in the country. The holiday currently celebrates the birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.

Obverse

Depicts the National Emblem of Oman dividing denomination in Arabic and English, surrounded by the country name inside a circle, with the legend "Central Bank of Oman" outside both in Arabic above and English 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.

البنك المركزي العماني
سلطنة عمان
ONE RIAL ريال واحد
SULTANATE OF OMAN
CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN

Reverse

Depicts Sultanah ship, inscription with date in Arabic above and English below.

The Sultanah, hailed as Oman’s most esteemed vessel, was commissioned under the orders of Sultan Sayyid Said and constructed in Mumbai in 1248-49 AH/1833 CE. A nimble three-masted fully rigged naval ship, she gained renown for her diplomatic missions to the USA and Great Britain. Notably, she embarked on her historic journey to the United States in 1840, carrying the first Omani ambassador, Ahmed bin Na’aman al Ka’abi. Departing Muscat on 23 December 1839, she embarked on a commercial and diplomatic voyage, completing the swift journey of 87 days round the Cape of Good Hope laden with goods such as dates, Persian carpets, coffee, ivory, and gifts for American President Van Buren. Departing New York in early August 1840, she returned to Oman. The Sultanah stood as the pride of Sultan Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidi's fleet, symbolizing the enduring friendship between Oman and the United States. Even today, she remains a revered national symbol in Oman.

العيد الوطني السادس والعشرون ١٩٩٦م
سلطانة
SULTANAH
TWENTY SIXTH NATIONAL DAY ANNIVERSARY 1996

Edge

1 Rial

KM# 102 Schön# 145a
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.916
Weight 37.8 g
Diameter 38.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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