1 Riyal SAR #473

Front

Desert landscape with palm trees and agricultural scene representing the Arabian Peninsula. This design was part of the Haj Pilgrim Issue series, specifically created for currency exchange during the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. The note features geometric Islamic patterns and the inscription 'SAUDI ARABIAN MONETARY AGENCY' and 'ONE RIYAL' in English, with denomination '1' prominently displayed at corners.

Back

Dromedary camels in a desert landscape, symbolizing traditional Arabian nomadic culture and transport. The central design features the national emblem of Saudi Arabia (crossed swords beneath a date palm) within a laurel wreath. Serial numbers appear in red ink. Text in Arabic identifies the issuer and denomination, with '25 PL' (pilgrim riyals designation) printed at lower left. The purple and lilac color scheme was characteristic of the 1 riyal denomination in this series.

History

The Haj Pilgrim Issue was a special currency series issued by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) from 1956 to 1976, specifically for use by Muslim pilgrims during the annual Hajj. These notes were exchangeable at SAMA offices and used to facilitate transactions for the millions of pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina. The 'PL' designation stands for 'Pilgrim'. This series was withdrawn in 1976 when SAMA unified the currency system. The serial number format and printing characteristics suggest this is from the third or fourth printing run of this design. Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. of England printed these notes. The series preceded the modern SAMA issues that began circulating in the 1970s-1980s.