100 baiza 1977
Market Prices
71 salesAbout This Note
This is an uncirculated example of Oman's 100 Baisa note from 1977, presenting in pristine condition with sharp detail throughout. The note features the iconic crossed khanjars emblem of Oman on the obverse and a detailed engraving of the Port of Qaboos in Muscat on the reverse, showcasing the nation's maritime heritage during a period of modernization under Sultan Qaboos bin Said. As a foundational issue from the Central Bank of Oman's early years, this note combines Islamic geometric artistry with commercial imagery representing Oman's development.
Common. Despite its age (1977), this denomination and issue remain readily available in the numismatic market. eBay market data shows consistent sales across all condition grades from $0.99 to $39.26, with UNC examples regularly selling in the $3-$9 range historically and recent AUNC sales in the $4-$11 range. The broad distribution of sales prices and frequent appearance in auction records indicate substantial print runs and continued availability, typical of a standard-issue banknote from a major regional issuer.
Issued in 1977, this banknote reflects Oman's early period under Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who modernized the sultanate following his accession in 1970. The Port of Qaboos depicted on the reverse represents the nation's investment in maritime infrastructure and commercial development, while the crossed khanjars emblem on the obverse symbolizes Omani national identity and sovereignty. The bilingual (English/Arabic) presentation of text on both sides demonstrates Oman's positioning as an English-speaking Gulf nation engaged in international commerce.
The obverse features the National Emblem of Oman—two crossed khanjars (traditional curved daggers) positioned above an ornamental shield or crest—positioned prominently on the right side. The design is framed by elaborate Islamic geometric and floral patterns rendered in reddish-brown borders against cream and light purple underprints, creating a sophisticated traditional aesthetic. The reverse presents a detailed engraved maritime scene depicting the Port of Qaboos at Muttrah in Muscat, showing docked cargo vessels, warehouse infrastructure, loading equipment, and mountainous coastal backdrop, illustrating Oman's role as a Gulf trading nation. Both sides maintain the ornate reddish-brown decorative border treatment consistent with Gulf Currency Board notes of the era.
FRONT: 'البنك المركزي عمان' (Central Bank of Oman); 'ماية بيسة' (One Hundred Baisa); '١٣٩٢' (1392 Islamic calendar / '١٩٧٢' (1972 Western calendar); '١٨٣' (Serial number component 183). BACK: 'CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN' (English equivalent); 'ONE HUNDRED BAISA' (English denomination); '١٠٠' (100 in Arabic numerals).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine detailed line work, complex geometric patterns, intricate maritime scene rendering, and elaborate border ornamentation visible throughout. The note demonstrates the sophisticated security engraving typical of Central Bank of Oman currency produced during this period, likely by a specialized security printer serving the GCC monetary authorities.
This note is catalogued as Pick P-13 with two documented variants (P-13a and P-13s) in the PMG Population Report. The observed note appears to be the standard P-13a variety based on the absence of specimen overprints or security printer markings. The date '١٣٩٢' (1392 AH/1972 CE) on the obverse may represent the design adoption date rather than the stated 1977 issue date, which is characteristic of banknotes designed and approved prior to initial circulation. Serial number formatting and signature variants may distinguish P-13a from P-13s, though these details are not clearly visible in the provided imagery.
