Wolfgang Schuster passed along information about a new book on the copper coins of Muscat & Oman. Thanks.
-Editor
Copper Coins of Muscat and Oman dated AH 1311–1316 (1893–1899 CE)
By Scott E. Cordry
Published by www.arabiancoins.com, New York 2021
Towards the end of the 19th century maritime trade between the major ports of the
north-western Indian Ocean (Zanzibar, Aden, Muscat, Karachi and Bombay) greatly
increased. Consequently, from 1893 to 1899, 1/4 Anna copper coins of Muscat and
Oman were minted and circulated around the north-western Indian Ocean as regional
small change. During these few years, numerous 1/4 Anna coins with a range of
varieties of legends, decorative elements and die mulings as well as countermarks
were struck. The book gives comprehensive information on these copper coins of
Muscat and Oman bringing to light to all known varieties in a systematic presentation.
After a preface by the author reflecting his passion studying those issues, a detailed
introduction by Dr. Wolfgang Schuster follows, which focuses on the historical and
geographical background, use and importance of this ‘Indian Ocean trade currency'.
The series of Muscat and Oman 1/4 Anna copper coins spans across three
generations of Omani rulers of the Al Bu Sa'id dynasty: Sultan Faisal bin Turki,
Sultan Taimur bin Faisal and Sultan Sa'id bin Taimur. Accordingly, all coins issued
under the respective rulers are grouped and presented in separate chapters which
open with a brief biography of the sultan, followed by a detailed chronological listing
of all known coin dates and varieties with illustrations.
As we only find some 1/4 Anna copper coins rather superficially covered in standard
coin catalogs, the nearly 80 coin varieties presented in the book are identified by
unique SC-catalog numbers as reference for coin collectors, coin dealers and
numismatists.
An appendix shows all listed coins with their SC-number and estimated retail prices
in three conditions in US$.
This first fully illustrated work sheds light on a relatively complicated and complex
series that so far has not been researched in depth. Having cataloged and described
dozens of varieties, this new catalog is a valuable reference to anybody wishing to
explore the varieties and history of 1/4 Anna copper coins of Muscat and Oman.
For more information, or to order, see:
http://www.arabiancoins.com/
Book: Copper Coins of Muscat & Oman dated AH1311-1316 / 1893-1899 CE (New 2022)
(https://www.ebay.com/itm/255372226593)
Wayne Homren, Editor
The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization
promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org.
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