Iran MS2536 2-1/2 pahlavi
This specimen was lot 33341 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, May 2024), where it sold for $1,800. The catalog description[1] noted, "IRAN. 2-1/2 Pahlavi, MS 2536 (1977). Tehran Mint. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. NGC MS-66. Tied with just two other examples, this resounding specimen sits atop the NGC population report for the date." The Qajar empire was nearly bankrupt by the end of the 1800’s, and the dynasty finally fell when Reza Khan, a commander of the Persian Cossack Brigade, led a coup d’etat and launched the Pahlavi Dynasty in 1925 AD. This type was struck SH 1354-1355 and MS 2536-2537 but is seldom seen. Even so, few trade for more than their bullion value. Gold one (Fr-101), five (Fr-99) and ten pahlavis also exist. The shah was overthrown in 1979 and he died the next year. The "MS" calendar, used briefly in the late seventies, seems to have been tied to the old Persian Empire and not the shah's ancestors, who were nomad bandits.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 20.34 g, 0.900 fine gold, 0.5886 troy oz AGW, 30 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Fr-100; KM-1201.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, May 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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