Saudi Arabian Silver 1 Riyal Coin, King Abdulaziz Al Saud Period
Coin/Bullion · Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), minted by the United States Mint at Philadelphia under contract.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Coinage, AH 1370 (1951 AD) Issue
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), minted by the United States Mint at Philadelphia under contract.
Material
Sterling Silver (.917 fineness / 0.9166 crown gold equivalent); contains approximately 11.66 grams of silver; total weight 11.6g.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30 mm; Weight: 11.6 grams (0.34 troy oz pure silver content).
Description
A classic silver Riyal from the reign of the first Saudi King. The obverse displays the crossed swords and palm tree, symbolizing justice and prosperity. The reverse contains layered calligraphic legends within a double beaded border.
Key Features
Crossed swords and palm tree emblem; AH 1370 date; distinctive .917 silver purity commonly used in late British/Imperial standards.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.917 fineness / 0.9166 crown gold equivalent); contains approximately 11.66 grams of silver; total weight 11.6g.
Finish & Decoration
Struck with Arabic calligraphy and the Saudi national emblem (crossed swords and palm tree); features decorative beaded circular borders.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Arabic inscription 'King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia' center; date of striking AH 1370 at bottom; denomination 'One Ghirsh' or 'One Riyal' equivalents.
Construction Details
Die-struck; machine-made using high-pressure coin presses; reed edge for security and to prevent shaving/clipping.
Functional Features
None; legal tender currency (historically) and silver bullion asset.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; circular coin form held by edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die striking typical of mid-century US Mint production; shows high-relief calligraphy and crisp bordering for the era.
Authentication Indicators
Correct die alignment, specific reeded edge profile, and historical weight consistency; hallmark AH 1370 is clear.
Origin & Manufacturing
Saudi Arabia (Issuing authority); Philadelphia, USA (Minting location); British-standard crown gold fineness tradition.
Era & Period
Modern Saudi Unification Period, post-WWII regional economic expansion.
Age Estimate
Dated AH 1370 (approximately 1951 AD).
Cultural Significance
Represents the fiscal transition of Saudi Arabia into a formal monetary state under King Abdulaziz Al Saud; mirrors the 'Silver Standard' era of the Middle East.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F). Significant surface tarnish (patina), minor rim nicks at the top, and noticeable circulation wear on the high points of the calligraphy.
Value Estimate
$15 to $25 USD depending on silver spot price and numismatic demand for the AH date.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish; numismatic value is best preserved with original patina. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Maria Theresa Thaler (larger, .833 silver); 1/4 and 1/2 Riyal variants (smaller versions of same design).
Interesting Facts
Due to a lack of local minting facilities in the 1950s, Saudi Arabia contracted the US Mint to produce millions of these silver coins to stabilize their economy.