1 Omani Rial Banknote (Khasab Castle)

1 Rial Rial Omani (Issued 2020)

Issued in 2020 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Central Bank of Oman, this banknote forms part of a special Landmarks Issue that celebrated five decades of Omani monetary sovereignty and the nation’s enduring cultural heritage. The occasion marked a significant milestone in Oman’s modern financial history, reflecting the country’s growth and stability since the establishment of its central banking system. Printed in a warm rose-red and salmon palette that is immediately distinctive among Omani currency, the note blends traditional Islamic geometric artistry with imagery of contemporary and historical Omani landmarks. The dual-language presentation across both faces underscores the note’s dual role as both a circulating currency and a commemorative document of national pride.

On the front, the dominant background is composed of an intricate geometric and arabesque tile pattern rendered in shades of rose-pink and terracotta, filling the entire face of the note with a richly textured, almost tessellated effect that draws heavily on traditional Islamic decorative arts. To the upper left, the issuing authority’s name is printed in Arabic script — البنك المركزي العُماني, meaning the Central Bank of Oman — followed by a line of smaller Arabic text describing the legal tender status of the note. Beneath this, the denomination is stated prominently in large Arabic script reading ريال واحد, meaning One Rial, in a bold, clear typeface. The serial number ق/٣٢٦٦٣٠١ appears in Arabic-Indic numerals along the left edge, with a corresponding Western numeral serial number W/13266301 printed vertically along the right margin in dark red ink. The numeral “1” appears in large format at the far left in a contrasting deep red, and again at the far right. Centrally positioned toward the right half of the note is a richly detailed emblem of the national symbol of Oman — the Khanjar dagger with its curved sheath, crossed by two ceremonial swords, rendered in gold and deep red tones against the geometric patterned background, enclosed within a decorative arched frame with ornamental detailing reminiscent of traditional Omani architectural motifs. To the left of centre, a detailed engraving depicts a modern building that appears to be a contemporary Omani public or governmental structure rendered in a fine linear style, with the image set at a slight angle and printed in a cooler steel-blue tone to contrast with the warm overall palette. A signature appears in Arabic script toward the lower left of the note, accompanied by a date inscription in both Hijri and Gregorian formats reading ١٤٤١ / ٢٠٢٠. A small security emblem or holographic device appears near the lower centre of the note.

The reverse of the note is dominated by the legend “CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN” printed in bold capital letters in dark red across the upper portion, with the numeral “1” appearing at the upper right. The central and left portions of the reverse are occupied by two engraved architectural scenes of historic Omani fortifications. On the left, a substantial fortress or castle is depicted with high crenellated walls, an arched gateway, and a palm tree visible within the compound — the structure bearing the hallmarks of a traditional Omani coastal or inland fort. To the right of this, a further rocky outcrop or ruined fortification is rendered in fine engraving, suggesting an ancient hillside defensive structure with irregular stonework. Overlaid dramatically across both scenes is the large Omani national emblem rendered in bold — the ceremonial Khanjar dagger crossed by two swords — printed in a deep terracotta red and dominating the centre of the composition. At the lower centre, the dual-calendar date inscription “١٤٤١H / 2020٥” is printed in small text. To the right, a broad expanse of the arabesque geometric pattern continues from the front face, rendered here in lighter salmon and pale pink tones, creating visual continuity across the note. The denomination “ONE RIAL” is printed in large, clear capital letters in the lower right corner. A small additional security feature or emblem appears near the lower centre-right of the reverse. The overall colour of the reverse transitions from a deeper salmon-red on the left to a softer pink and near-cream on the right, giving the note a gradient effect that is visible without magnification.

Webuyallcurrency.com makes it easy to exchange old coins and banknotes — a 2020 Landmarks Issue 1 Rial Omani banknote from Oman is accepted with other current Omani Rials banknotes and converted into cash in one go.

• Indicate the quantity of 1 Rial Rial Omani banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com buys and exchanges foreign currency of every kind, so your Omani Rials banknotes — withdrawn or current — can be sold for cash together with the rest of your leftover coins and notes.

Other Omani Rials you can exchange: 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 5, 10, 20, 50.