100 baiza 1973

Common. While this is the inaugural issue of the Oman Currency Board from 1973, the denomination and period have resulted in consistent market availability. eBay historical pricing data shows regular sales across multiple grades, with UNC examples consistently bringing $12-$20 and PMG 67 examples averaging $35-$76 across the sales history provided. The note was produced in sufficient quantities for circulation and international distribution, and certified examples appear regularly in the market. The denomination of 100 Baiza (a fractional unit) was produced in larger quantities than higher denominations, further supporting its common classification.

This 100 Baiza note was issued in 1973 by the Oman Currency Board, representing the newly independent Sultanate of Oman's first step toward establishing its own monetary system following the coup d'état of 1970 that modernized the nation. The crossed-sword emblem featured on the obverse is the national symbol of Oman, embodying the country's heritage and sovereignty during this pivotal period of national consolidation. The English-language 'OMAN CURRENCY BOARD' inscription on the reverse reflects the British influence in Omani affairs during the early years of the modern sultanate's development.

The obverse features an ornate border design in brown tones with elaborate geometric patterns framing multicolored Arabic text in pink, blue, and green. The Omani national emblem—a stylized crossed-sword design in green—is prominently positioned on the right portion of the note, serving as the primary heraldic symbol. The reverse displays an elaborate central octagonal medallion with intricate Islamic geometric and floral ornamentation in brown and green against a cream background, flanked by decorative corner cartouches containing geometric lattice patterns. The denomination '100' appears in an ornate rectangular cartouche on the left side. The overall design reflects traditional Islamic artistic principles with fine interlacing patterns and symmetrical composition characteristic of 1970s Gulf State currency design.

Obverse: Serial number visible as 'B/2 900431' (alphanumeric designation); Arabic text in center (specific wording not clearly legible in provided images, but standard for commemorating issuing authority and denomination). Reverse: '100' (denomination numeral in ornate cartouche); 'BAIZA' (currency unit designation in English); 'OMAN CURRENCY BOARD' (issuing authority in English capital letters).

Intaglio (relief) printing with multicolor chromatic separation, evidenced by the fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, detailed ornamentation, and crisp color layering visible in both the border designs and central medallion. The precise security features including the fine-line geometric cartouches and ornamental patterns are consistent with traditional currency printing methods employed by established security printers. The watermark (visible as light impression in background) and ornate border design further indicate professional currency-grade intaglio production typical of British or Swiss currency printers working with Commonwealth nations during this period.

Serial number prefix 'B/2' visible on the observed specimen (B/2 900431). First series issues of the Oman Currency Board typically exhibit serial number variations by prefix letter and numeral combinations. No overprints, date variations, or signature variations are apparent in this 1973 ND (No Date) issue. The note represents the standard regular issue of Pick P-7 with no known major varieties affecting collector value within this denomination.