Everyone once in a while, the World and Ancient Coin Department offers an eclectic and uncommon type that is not often seen. In this vein, we note lot 72209 in our June CCO auction, an elusive 1894 1/12 Anna from Muscat and Oman Graded NGC MS-62 Brown. This example is the finest of the type we have ever seen, and is among the finest certified, with just one finer example in an NGC holder. The design features a view of the City of Muscat along with the fortress. The currency unit was based on the British Indian Rupee, and the size is identical with the equivalent Indian denomination.
Muscat and Oman as a historical division encompassed the modern nation of Oman along with some of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, with Busaid dynasty ruling. Becoming fabulously wealthy in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Sultanate faced a loss of power and prestige during the 19th century, which left them open to British Influence in the region. Though always independent from the British Empire, the Sultanate was increasingly dependent on British aid for support, as highlighted by the creation of a currency based on a British colony. This support from the British was a double-edged sword, and when the 13th Sultan of Oman fell out of favor with the British, he was replaced in a 1970 coup supported by the United Kingdom, which saw the ascendency of Qaboos bin Said. The new Sultan transformed Oman into an industrialized nation with increased democratization and liberalization.
We are always seeking world and ancient coins, medals, and paper money for our auctions, and are currently accepting consignments for our August 2022 Global Showcase Auction and our October Collectors Choice Online (CCO) sale. If you would like to learn more about consigning, whether a singular item or an entire collection, please contact a consignment director or email info@stacksbowers.com today and we will assist you in achieving the best possible return on your material.
