Is This A Variety Arab Coin?

Saudi Arabia, 100 halala AH1400 (= AD1980). KM# 52.

I assume it's a characteristic of this particular type, rather than a variety within the type. I've never noticed it before.

There's no mention in Krause about different shaped sword hilts, though the one pictured in Krause for this type looks just like your one, with a short, straight guard, and less curved handle. Most other Saudi coins illustrated have an s-shaped guard, and a "J"-shaped handle.

If I'm correct, this "short hilt" only appears on 100 halala dated 1976 and 1980; other dates (1977, 1978, and 1987 and 1993) should all have "normal hilts". If your other 100 halala is 1976/1980 and has "normal hilt", I'd like to see a pic.

Best if you try to keep all the pics relating to a discussion in the same thread.

Link to other thread with pics.

Yes, this second coin is from AH 1408 (1987), and it's a different KM# (65). The difference (besides the shape of the sword hilts) is the name of the king, on the obverse; the old king died in 1403/1982. The positions of the name of the country and name of the king have also been switched.

I will do that next time, Sir. Thank you for the immediate help, Sirs, Sap and Bobby131313.