Saudi Arabia 5 Riyals 1984

This 1984 Saudi 5 Riyal gold proof was struck using 22-karat gold, a purity level that reflects the kingdom's adherence to traditional Islamic standards for precious metals.

That decision likely came from the Royal Mint in the UK, where many Middle Eastern coins were produced during the 1980s. The obverse shows the Saudi coat of arms, complete with crossed swords and a palm tree, while the reverse bears Arabic inscriptions and the denomination. It's a proof strike, meaning the surfaces are mirror-like, a detail that appeals to purists but doesn't always translate to higher values.

We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that era can be as elusive as a Bedouin in the desert. As for myths, I've heard tales of these coins being gifts to dignitaries, but that's probably just collector folklore.

Some call it underappreciated.