1 riyal 1968
Market Prices
53 salesAbout This Note
This is a well-preserved example of Saudi Arabia's first Monetary Agency issue, the 1968 One Riyal (Pick 11a), presented in Uncirculated condition. The note features a striking purple and cream color scheme with an elegant government building prominently displayed on the obverse and the iconic Saudi national emblem (crossed swords and palm tree) on the reverse, both rendered in fine intaglio engraving. The pristine condition, minimal aging, and complete security features including the watermarked circular medallion make this an attractive example of early Saudi Arabian currency design.
Common. While this is the first Monetary Agency issue and historically significant, market data shows consistent availability with UNC examples selling for $34–$37 in recent years and lower grades regularly appearing on the secondary market. The abundant eBay sales history spanning over a decade with steady supply indicates substantial print run and continued collector availability.
Issued in 1968 (1387 AH) by the newly established Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, this note reflects the kingdom's modernization during the reign of King Faisal ibn Abdulaziz and represents the transition from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority to the SAMA. The depicted government building symbolizes institutional authority and economic development, while the reverse's national emblem—the crossed swords beneath a palm tree—emphasizes Saudi Arabia's heritage and sovereignty during a period of oil-driven economic expansion.
The obverse features a three-story government building with Islamic architectural elements including arched gateway entrances and columned facades, positioned at the center-right of the note. A large decorative scalloped circular medallion in cream occupies the left side, serving as the watermark area. Ornamental corner scrollwork designs frame the entire composition. The reverse displays the national emblem—crossed swords with a palm tree—centered within an elaborate cartouche, flanked by intricate Islamic geometric patterns and arabesque designs on the left, with a large blank cartouche on the right. Both sides are bordered by detailed decorative frames executed in fine line engraving.
Front side: 'مؤسسة النقد العربي السعودي' (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency), 'وزارة المالية والاقتصاد' (Ministry of Finance and Economy), 'ريال واحد' (One Riyal), dated '١٣٨٧' (1387 AH) and '١٩٦٨' (1968). Back side: 'SAUDI ARABIAN MONETARY AGENCY' and 'ONE RIYAL' in English, with Arabic numeral '١' (1) for the denomination.
Intaglio (engraved) printing, characteristic of high-security currency production. The fine line engraving throughout the design, intricate scrollwork patterns, complex Islamic arabesque designs, and detailed decorative borders indicate traditional offset intaglio printing. This Pick 11a was produced by De La Rue, the primary security printer for Saudi Arabian currency during this period.
Pick 11a represents the first printing of the One Riyal issued by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency in 1968. The note is dated 'L. AH 1379 (1968),' with the 'L' prefix indicating the Lunar (Islamic) calendar date. Known varieties of this issue may include different signature combinations or serial number prefixes, though the visual analysis does not reveal sufficient detail to identify specific signatures. The standard variety features the purple and multicolor design as observed in this example.
