5 riyals 1954

Common. While this is an early issue from 1954, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency's first series was produced in substantial quantities to establish the new monetary system. eBay market data confirms consistent availability: VF specimens regularly sell in the $85-$135 range, with F-grade notes at $50-$70, indicating robust collector demand but no supply scarcity. The 2016 catalog valuation of $125 for VF aligns with observed market pricing. No evidence of limited print runs, recall, or unusual scarcity factors exists for this Pick number. Early date and historical significance support collector interest, but supply remains adequate to classify as common.

The 1954 issue represents the inaugural currency of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (Mas'assah an-Nuqud al-'Arabiyyah as-Sa'udiyyah), established in 1953 following Saudi Arabia's monetary reform and transition from the Maria Theresa Thaler. The depicted dhow references Jeddah's historic significance as the kingdom's primary Red Sea port and commercial gateway, while the national emblem on the reverse—featuring the date palm and crossed swords—symbolizes Saudi Arabia's desert heritage and sovereignty during a pivotal period of nation-building and early oil-era development.

The obverse features a traditional Arabian dhow with a distinctive dark sail positioned centrally, depicted on calm waters with a waterfront cityscape (representing Jeddah's harbor) in the background. The vignette is framed by elaborate ornamental borders incorporating scrollwork, geometric patterns, and floral motifs rendered in blue and gold. Denomination circles containing '5' appear in the upper left and lower right corners. The reverse displays the Saudi Arabian national emblem as its central focus: a date palm tree positioned above two crossed swords, a heraldic representation of the kingdom's sovereignty and heritage. This emblem is surrounded by an intricate geometric lattice pattern background in pink and gold tones, with matching ornamental corner elements. Both sides incorporate trilingual text in Arabic, English, and Turkish—reflecting the international commercial aspirations of the newly-formed monetary authority.

FRONT SIDE: 'مؤسسة النقد العربي السعودي' (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency) appears at top center in Arabic. English text reads 'FIVE RIYALS' with Arabic equivalent 'خمسة ريالات' (Five Riyals). The note bears a pledge in English: 'THE SAUDI ARABIAN MONETARY AGENCY HOLDS IN ITS VAULTS FIVE RIYALS AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE BEARER OF THIS FULLY NEGOTIABLE RECEIPT.' The Islamic date '1373' (corresponding to 1954 CE) appears on the note. Serial number reads '69/688814' in red ink. BACK SIDE: 'مؤسسة النقد العربي السعودي بالرياض' (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, Riyadh) appears in Arabic. Extended Arabic text addresses the legitimate use and negotiability of the note. Turkish text includes 'SAUDI ARABISTAN NAKIT MUESSESESI' (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency), 'TEMAMEN DEVRI KABIL IŞBU MAKBUZ' (This receipt is fully negotiable), 'HAMİLİ EMRİNE AMADE OLARAK BEŞ RİYALI MAHZENLERİNDE MUHAFAZA EDER' (Five Riyals held in treasury at the disposal of the bearer).

This banknote was produced using traditional engraved intaglio printing, evidenced by the fine line work, sharp detail reproduction, and multi-layered color registration visible throughout both sides. The intricate geometric backgrounds, ornamental borders, and delicate scrollwork characteristic of this 1954 Saudi issue are hallmarks of high-quality security engraving. The note exhibits the crisp impressions and color separation typical of period banknote currency printing from major European security printers (likely either Thomas De La Rue or American Bank Note Company, standard suppliers for Middle Eastern central banks in the 1950s), though specific printer attribution for this Pick P-3 issue requires reference to Bank of England Archive records or SAMA documentation.

Serial number observed: 69/688814 in red ink on front. The serial number prefix '69' may indicate a printing plate or batch designation; however, without comprehensive variety catalogs specific to SAMA 1954 issues, individual serial number varieties cannot be reliably documented. The trilingual inscription set (Arabic, English, Turkish) is standard for this Pick P-3 issue and not a variety marker. No signature varieties, overprints, or known printing errors are documented for this denomination and year based on available numismatic literature. Collectors should note that condition grades significantly impact market value, with UNC specimens commanding $400-$500 versus $85-$135 for VF examples.