5 riyals 1968
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37 salesAbout This Note
A pristine example of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency's 1968 5 Riyal note (Pick P-12a) in uncirculated condition, featuring a striking green and multicolor design. The obverse depicts a traditional covered souq with distinctive barrel-vault architecture, while the reverse showcases a detailed maritime scene of sailing vessels and steamships at a busy port with dock facilities. Both sides display exceptional engraving detail and crisp printing with no visible wear, creases, or circulation marks, making this an excellent example of early Saudi currency design.
Common. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows consistent sales activity across all condition grades spanning over a decade (2011-2024), with regular trading of fine, very fine, and uncirculated examples at modest prices ($18-$200 range). UNC specimens have sold multiple times between $200-$212.50, indicating steady collector demand but no scarcity premium. The regular circulation period and substantial print run make this Pick number widely available to collectors.
Issued during Saudi Arabia's period of modernization and economic development in the 1960s, this note reflects the kingdom's dual heritage and forward-looking identity. The obverse's depiction of traditional Islamic architectural elements (the covered market/souq) celebrates Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage, while the reverse's focus on maritime commerce and industrial port facilities symbolizes the nation's growing economic integration and petroleum-driven prosperity during this transformative era.
The 5 Riyal note features a bilingual design reflecting Saudi Arabia's international stature. The obverse showcases an engraved illustration of a traditional covered bazaar (souq) with repetitive barrel-vault ceilings and Islamic architectural styling, positioned on the right side of the note with ornate geometric border patterns in green and beige. A large decorative scalloped cartouche on the left side serves as the watermark area. The reverse depicts a detailed maritime harbor scene with multiple merchant vessels, sailing ships, and steamships, along with dock infrastructure and warehouse structures representing Saudi Arabia's growing maritime commerce and oil export capabilities. Both sides feature fine-line engraving with intricate detail work, denomination numerals in all four corners, and ornate geometric frames characteristic of mid-20th century Middle Eastern currency design.
Front side: 'مؤسسة النقد العربي السعودي' (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency); 'خمسة ريالات' (Five Riyals); Islamic calendar date notation '27/4/1961' (corresponding to 1968 Gregorian). Back side: 'SAUDI ARABIAN MONETARY AGENCY' (English); 'FIVE RIYALS' (English). Denomination numeral '5' appears in corners on both sides. Serial number components visible: '940619' and '27'.
Intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine line work, detailed architectural rendering, and complex maritime scene with subtle gradations and cross-hatching visible in both the souq illustration and port scene. The crisp impression, sharp corner numerals, and precise geometric borders indicate high-quality security printing typical of currency produced by established international security printers during this period. The note was likely produced by a major European security printer such as Bradbury Wilkinson or De La Rue, standard suppliers for Middle Eastern central banks in the 1960s.
This note is dated L. AH 1379 (1961 Islamic calendar) with Gregorian year 1968 designation. The visual analysis identifies serial number components '940619' and '27', suggesting this is from the standard printing run. Pick P-12a is the primary cataloged variety for the 5 Riyal 1968 issue. No overprints, signature variations, or other notable varieties are apparent in the observed specimen. This represents the standard first issue of the 5 Riyal denomination under the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency.
