Description
Saudi Arabia 1945-1946 gold 4 Pounds – US Philadelphia mint issue for ARAMCO; rare type in uncirculated condition; authenticated and graded AU58 by NGC. FREE EXPEDITED SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM.
These “coins” were struck for Arabian-American Oil Company (ARAMCO) which in return used them to pay for oil concessions in Saudi Arabia. The contract between Aramco and the Saudi government called for a royalty payment of $3 million a year in gold. During the wartime period the Saudi government had accepted this payment in US dollars, but during WW2 gold prices rose to $70 OZT. This sharp rise from the official American price of $35 prompted the Saudis to demand that their royalty payment be made in gold. So, from 1945 to 1946 the US government struck a total of 91,410 of these gold “rounds” at the Philadelphia mint. In international terms the fineness and gold content were equal to four British gold sovereigns. Technically, these gold rounds were called “discs” to avoid any potential legal issues at the time when the US government no longer struck any gold issues. Most of these gold rounds went to Saudi Arabia, then Asia where they were promptly melted-down and turned into gold bars. Just a small fraction of the original mintage survived to the melting pot making it one of the hottest American gold issues collectibles.
ARAMCO was responsible for paying for the gold and the production costs. Each “coin” featured a U.S. heraldic eagle in the center surrounded by U.S. MINT / PHILADELPHIA / U.S.A. John Sinnock (the designer of the Roosevelt dime and the Franklin half dollar) took credit for the art work on obverse. The stamp on reverse was the same stamp that the mint used on official U.S. gold bars. The reverse reads: “GROSS WEIGHT 493.1 GRAINS” / “NET WEIGHT (in gold) 452.008333 GR.” / “FINENESS 9162/3”.
Saudi Arabia 1945-1946 gold 4 Pounds issue (KM34) weights just over an ounce and contains AGW of 0.9419 oz. Struck in medal alignment, reeded rim. This is a great-looking specimen with original satiny mint luster; a few typical bag marks are noted for accuracy. Sharply struck with well-defined details; authenticated and graded AU58 by Numismatic Guarantee Corp (NGC) – one of the best and most stringent grading service; NGC certification number 6869727-015. Buy with confidence knowing that this coin is 100% authentic, unaltered and professionally graded by some of the most respected numismatic experts. This Saudi Arabia 1945-1946 gold 4 Pounds is guaranteed to be genuine or your money back.
Not cleaned; these are the actual photos. This issue is hard-to-find in better grades; don’t miss your chance to add this rare Saudi Arabia 1945-1946 gold 4 Pounds to your collection! I have more world coins, medals, tokens, badges, and military decorations in this store available for immediate purchase; please take a look at similar listings within our Coins & Paper Money or militaria sections.
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FREE EXPEDITED SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM
No International shipping for this item, sorry.
