1995 Oman 100 Baisa Banknote (P‑31) – Sultan Qaboos and Oman’s Cultural Heritage
Issued in 1995 (1416 AH) by the Central Bank of Oman, the 100 Baisa banknote (Pick 31) represents the smallest denomination of the mid‑1990s Omani currency series. Despite its low face value, the note carries rich cultural symbolism, featuring Sultan Qaboos bin Said and iconic imagery tied to Oman’s ancient irrigation traditions and natural wildlife. Printed by Giesecke & Devrient in Germany, it reflects the Sultanate’s emphasis on national identity, environmental heritage, and modernization during the era of Qaboos’s transformative rule.
Key Features & Historical Significance
Issuer: Central Bank of Oman
Denomination: 100 Baisa (0.1 OMR)
Year of Issue: 1995 (1416 AH)
Pick Number: P‑31
Printer: Giesecke & Devrient, Leipzig
Size: 122 × 64 mm
Material: Paper, multicolor underprint
Watermark: Sultan Qaboos bin Said
Demonetized: 31 December 2024
The note highlights Oman’s cultural and environmental heritage, from the ancient aflaj irrigation systems—recognized today as UNESCO World Heritage—to the wildlife that symbolizes the nation’s natural landscape.
Design Features
Obverse
Rendered in deep olive‑green, dark green‑blue, and purple tones, the front of the note features:
Portrait of Sultan Qaboos bin Said at right
Coat of arms of Oman at upper left
Aflaj irrigation system at center, representing centuries‑old engineering and agricultural life
Arabic script with denomination, issuing authority, and dual Hijri/Gregorian dates
Arabic inscriptions include:
“البنك المركزي العُماني” (Central Bank of Oman)
“هذه الأوراق النقدية قانونية لأي مبلغ” (These banknotes are legal tender for any amount)
“مائة بيسة” (One Hundred Baisa)
“سلطان عُمان” (Sultan of Oman)
“١٤١٦ هـ – ١٩٩٥ م” (1416 AH – 1995 AD)
Reverse
The reverse celebrates Oman’s wildlife with:
Verreaux’s eagle and white oryx prominently displayed at center
Denomination and issuing authority in Latin script
Clean, balanced layout emphasizing natural imagery
Lettering includes:
“CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN”
“One Hundred Baisa”
“100”
“1416 H / 1995 G”
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1995 100 Baisa note (P‑31) is a compact yet symbolically rich piece of Omani numismatic history. Its design blends royal portraiture, traditional irrigation heritage, and native wildlife—making it an appealing choice for collectors interested in:
Middle Eastern currency
Sultan Qaboos era issues
Wildlife‑themed banknotes
Notes featuring UNESCO‑recognized cultural elements
Complete sets of Omani fractional denominations
With its recent demonetization in 2024, the note has transitioned fully into the realm of collectible currency, increasing its appeal for both regional and thematic collectors.
