Yemen AH 1364 1/4 riyal
The Mutawakkilite Kingdom began forming in 1890 AD, but it was not until 1911 that the local ruler (Yahya bin Muhammad, who came to power in AH 1322 / 1904 AD) was recognized as both the secular and religious head by the occupying (but weakening) Ottoman forces. In 1919 AD, the Ottomans officially abandoned any attempt at a military or political presence in Yemen. The first local coinage to recognize independent Yemenese rule was struck in AH 1342 (1924 AD).
The new coinage was based on the standard of the Maria Teresa thaler (import of which was banned under the Ottomans, who wished to force Turkish coinage on the population). Thus the thaler was equal to 1 riyal, with fractions of 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/20, 1/40, and 1/80. The fraction 1/40 riyal was known as 1 buqsha.
Shown is a silver 1/4 riyal. Several design varieties exist, involving the number of crescents bordering the obverse. No records exist defining the metal fineness, but the use of silver from Maria Teresa thalers serves as an indicator for the larger denominations.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver.
Catalog reference: Y#10.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Pridmore, Fred. "The Modern Coins of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of the Yemen". Seaby's Coin and Medal Bulletin, May 1962. pp 231-340.
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