Collecting coins was once considered the hobby of kings, but over time this has spread around the world among common people. People who collect or study old coins or bills are referred to as numismatics. Numismatics is the study of coins and related units. It is one of the oldest hobbies in the world.
Emperor Caesar Augustus, born in 63 BC, was an avid collector of coins from around the world that were in use during his era. He used to gift them to rulers of other countries to facilitate trade.
Similarly, in the Sultanate of Oman, there is a numismatist, in Syed Shaandar Ali Shah Bukhari.
An old resident, it all started at a very young age when Bukhari used to collect posters from the magazine, stickers from Suntop tetra packs, and an old coin gifted by his late father, Syedzada Sakhawat Ali Shah Bukhari.
“My father saw an interest in antiques in me and would gift me them from time to time, including an old oil lamp from over 50 years ago when he first landed in Oman,” Shaandar said.
Shaandar still has it as his prized possession which reminds him of their humble beginnings.
He also has an antique timepiece from the early 1900s, some memorabilia of his grandfather from his participation in WWII, and the first edition of the Oman Arabic newspaper from 1972.
“Watching these precious items is like a trip down memory lane,” Shaandar says.
Here is Shaandar’s personal collection and antique history of Omani Currency.
Dirham from Umayyad Era –
784 years old
Oman itself had the distinction of possessing the oldest Islamic coin mint in the Arabian Peninsula. These coins were used in coastal regions, especially around Sohar, and were minted in Damascus (modern-day Syria). They are made of Silver from 40–129 AH/661–746 CE (Umayyad Caliphate).
Maria Theresia Thaler –
244 years old
Also known as Thaler, this coin was mainly used for international trade as it was widely recognised. It has been minted since 1741, and the ones commonly found here, which I also have, are dated 1780.
Rial Coin – 147 years old
Issued by Sultan Barghash bin Said al Busaidy and minted in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium, this coin was made of Silver in 1299 AH/1881 CE. It was used in Zanzibar, which was part of Oman since 1698.
¼ Anna – 130 years oldThe 1/4 Anna coin held immense significance in Oman’s political and financial history. It dates back to 1898, more than 130 years ago. It was minted in Muscat during the reign of Sultan Faisal bin Turki, Sultan of Muscat and Oman during the period 1888-1913.
Half-Rial Saidi – 78 years old
This half-rial coin was in use during the era of Sultan Said bin Taimour, from the time it was the Sultanate Saidia and Sultan of Muscat and Oman.
Rial Saidi – 67 years old
This 1 rial coin was in use during the era of Sultan Said bin Taimour, from the time it was the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman.
BillsThis 100 Baisa bill was in use during the era of Sultan Said bin Taimour, from the time it was the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. This was before the formation of the Central Bank and was signed by C J Pelly, the then Secretary for Financial Affairs of Oman Currency Authority.
Half Rial Bill – Approx over
50 years old
This half-rial bill was among the first bills in use during the era of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. This was before the formation of the Central Bank and was signed by Mahmood Mohammad Murad, the Chairman of the Oman Currency Board.
Hundred Baisa Bill –
48 years oldThis hundred baisa bill was among the first bills in use during the era of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. It was from the era when the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos took over. This was in use after the formation of the Central Bank and was signed by Tariq bin Taimour, the Chairman of the Central Bank of Oman.
Hundred Baisa Bill –
48 years old
This hundred baisa bill was from the era of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and was signed by the late HM Sultan Qaboos himself.
Five-Rial Bill –
Currently in use
This five-rial bill is currently in use and is from the era of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. It is signed by HH Sayyid Taimour bin Asaad al Said, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Oman.
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