Page 207 - The Postal Agencies in Eastern Arabia

also in circulation nickel coins called “Baiza”; the word derives from the
old Indian “pice” (lA anna), there being no letter "p” in Arabic. The
new definitives were in denominations based on this coin (64 Baize to
1 Rupee); and it was not until May 1970 that the present currency of
1,000 Baize to 1 Rial Saidi (then at par with Sterling) was introduced.

Courtesy: Stanley Gibbons Ltd.

Maria Theresa Dollar

Despite the retention of the Rupee as the official currency, the Maria
Theresa Dollar — a handsome coin about the size and weight of a
British Crown, and still minted with the original date 1780 — continued
to command favour, particularly in the interior.

fXS
£
^ MUSCAT & OMAN1

Correctly inscribed.
The 50 Baizas, depicting Samail Fort, was correctly inscribed in
English; but, after the oiiicial First Day Covers had been prepared, it was
noticed that the Arabic inscription read 50 Rupees! Nevertheless, it was
wisely decided to issue the stamp, rather than withdraw it and thereby
create a scarcity value. The Arabic inscription was amended in a sub-

204