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1/2 Riyal - Abd al-Azīz Saudi Arabia
| Issuer | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1935 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | KM#17, Schön#15 |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Central field displays a multi-line Arabic calligraphic inscription within a dotted inner circle, denoting the denomination and mint attribution. Below the central inscription, the Hijri date ١٣٥٤ (AH 1354) is prominently struck. Two palm tree branches flank the lower portion of the inner circle, and the fractional value ١/٢ appears at the bottom of the field within a cartouche. The outer legend, contained between two beaded borders, carries the full denomination and mint name in flowing Arabic script. The entire design is rendered in crisp relief characteristic of Mecca Mint coinage of this period. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | نصف ريال عربي سعودي ضرب في المكرمة مكة ١/٢ |
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| Additional information |
Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud had only formally proclaimed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, and this issue belongs to the first coherent coinage series produced under the new unified state. Prior to consolidation, the Hejaz and Najd regions had circulated separate issues; standardizing currency was part of the same administrative project as consolidating tribal authority. The Saudi riyal of this period was deliberately pegged to the Maria Theresa Thaler in silver content, a practical concession to the trading habits of the Arabian peninsula's merchant class.