Saudi Arabia AH 1374 1/2 riyal
This specimen was lot 33655 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, May 2024), where it sold for $105. The catalog description[1] noted, "SAUDI ARABIA. 1/2 Riyal, AH 1374 (1955). Mexico City Mint. Sa'ud bin 'Abd al-'Aziz. NGC MS-66. A stunning minor that is exceeded in the NGC census by just three examples, this specimen offers some delightful champagne toning to further elevate its appeal." This type was struck AH 1374 only along with quarter and one riyals. The new type reflects the succession of king Saud (r. 1953-64) to the throne upon the death of king Abdulaziz (r. 1932-53). The specification is virtually identical to the British half rupee.
Recorded mintage: 2,000,000.
Specification: 5.95 g, 0.917 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-38.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, May 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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