Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Rial 1997, KM# 113, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, WWF Conserving Nature, Mountain Gazelle
  • 1 Rial 1997, KM# 113, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, WWF Conserving Nature, Mountain Gazelle
Description

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), a Swiss-based international non-governmental organization founded in 1961, focuses on wilderness preservation and reducing human impact on the environment. WWF is the world's largest conservation organization, boasting over five million supporters in over 100 countries and backing approximately 3,000 conservation projects, with investments exceeding $1 billion since 1995. Primarily funded by individuals, government sources, and corporations, WWF strives to halt environmental degradation and promote harmony between humans and nature. Noteworthy campaigns like Earth Hour and initiatives in areas like food, climate, and wildlife underscore their mission. Despite criticism over alleged corporate ties and controversial projects, WWF remains active in international networks like the Foundations Platform F20.

The concept of establishing a fund for endangered animals was formally presented by Victor Stolan to Sir Julian Huxley following articles Huxley published in The Observer. Huxley connected Stolan with Edward Max Nicholson, who had extensive experience bridging progressive intellectuals and corporate interests through the Political and Economic Planning think tank. Nicholson coined the organization's name, and the original panda logo was crafted by Sir Peter Scott. On April 29, 1961, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was conceived, with its inaugural office opening on September 11 at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) headquarters in Morges, Switzerland.

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 a standing mountain gazelle with a tree in the background, an inscription with a date in Arabic above and English below.

The mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella), alternatively known as the true gazelle or the Palestine mountain gazelle, represents a species of gazelle with a widespread but irregular distribution. Both genders of the mountain gazelle sport horns, although males exhibit notably larger horns adorned with rings, while females possess thinner, smoother, and shorter horns. Furthermore, mountain gazelles display sexual dimorphism in size, with males surpassing females in stature. A mature male typically ranges from 17 to 29.5 kg in weight, whereas females weigh between 16 and 25 kg. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph), mountain gazelles are renowned for their agility and swiftness.

الصندوق الدولي لحماية الحياة البرية والحفاظ على الطبيعة ١٩٩٧م
الغزال الجبلي
THE MOUNTAIN GAZELLE
WWF CONSERVING NATURE 1997

Edge

1 Rial

KM# 113 Schön# 157
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Mint of Norway

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WWF Conserving Nature

Silver, 28.28 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm