Saudi Arabia

1 Riyal 1354 – Treasure Shipwreck – SS John Barry

150

MS
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Saudi Arabia

MS

1 Riyal 1354 – Treasure Shipwreck – SS John Barry

150

Description:

Nice coin with a pleasant appearance. Bright original luster.

Period
Abd Al-Aziz Bin Sa’ud ah
Type
1 riyal
Year
1354
Mint name
Philadelphia
Diameter
30,5 mm
Weight
11,6 g
Metal
Silver
Rarity
Rare
  • Pedigree :

    With original certificate from the salvors.

    A fascinating piece of World War II history, this coin was part of a special, secret wartime cargo of 3 million silver coins sent to fund American oil interests in Saudi Arabia. They were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and then shipped aboard the American Liberty ship S.S. John Barry when it was torpedoed by U-859 on August 28, 1944 off the straits of Oman. In 1994, around half of the coins were salvaged using modern technology from the staggering depth of 8500 feet.