Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 50 Baisa 1990, KM# 79, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, National Day of Oman, 20th Anniversary
  • 50 Baisa 1990, KM# 79, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, National Day of Oman, 20th 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 crowned national coat of arms of Oman divided date, surrounded by name of country above and the inscription "Central Bank of Oman" below, denomination below.

The national coat of arms 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.

سلطنة عمان
١٤١١هـ ١٩٩٠م
١٠٠ بيسة
البنك المركزي العماني

Reverse

Depicts the Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman with plants on both sides and palm trees in the background, the inscription "20th National Day" above and "Irrigation system in Oman" below.

The Aflaj Irrigation Systems in Oman, dating back to 500 AD, are ancient water channels found in the regions of Dakhiliyah, Sharqiyah, and Batinah. However, these systems are part of an irrigation tradition dating back 5000 years in the region, known as Qanat or Kariz, originating from Persia. "Aflaj" is the plural of "Falaj," meaning "split into parts" in classical Arabic. These systems efficiently distributed water among inhabitants, flowing by gravity from the sources to homes and cropland, supported by watchtowers and other structures for protection. In 2006, UNESCO designated five Aflaj Irrigation Systems in Oman as World Heritage Sites: Falaj Al-Khatmeen, Falaj Al-Malki, Falaj Daris, Falaj Al-Mayassar, and Falaj Al-Jeela.

العيد الوطني العشرون
نظام الري في عمان

Edge

50 Baisa

KM# 79 Schön# 88
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 6.48 g
Diameter 24 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # KM# PS5

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