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Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction  22-26 Aug 2022
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Lot 30735

Starting price: 1500 USD
Price realized: 3300 USD
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Saudi Arabia - United States. 4 Pounds, ND (1945-46). Philadelphia Mint. NGC MS-62.
Fr-190; KM-34. Aramco issue. Struck as payment for usage of Saudi oil fields, this American issue has the unique characteristic of following the fineness and weight of the British gold monetary system, being struck in 22 carat gold and having the weight of 4 Sovereigns. A highly interesting crossover type, 4 Pounds issues are far less common the Pound types. Exceptionally brilliant and pleasing.

These were minted at the Philadelphia Mint in 1947 for payment to the Saudi Government for oil obtained from there by the hybrid American oil venture that began operation there in the 1940s. Despite being an American issue, the gold was struck in the exact fineness and with the same weight as a British Sovereign, owing to Saudi Arabia's close ties at the time to the British Empire. Under pressure that Saudi Arabia would nationalize oil fields in the 1950s, the American interests in Saudi Arabia's oil were forced to split profits with the kingdom, making these issues moot for any future considerations.

Estimate: $2500 - $3500

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