Iran MS2537 2-1/2 pahlavi
This specimen was lot 71567 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, June 2022), where it sold for $1,200. The catalog description[1] noted, "IRAN. 2-1/2 Pahlavi, MS 2537 (1978). Tehran Mint. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. NGC MS-65+. A lustrous example, this attractive piece presents a satiny charm, with the only hindrance noted being a slightly weak strike on the reverse." This type, struck SH 1354-55 and MS 2536-2537 during the reign of Muhammed Reza Shah (r. 1941-79), was minted to the standard of 2½ British sovereigns. Gold one, five (Fr-99) and ten pahlavis also exist. The coins generally trade as bullion coins. 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 but not a rare date.
Specification: 20.34 g, 0.900 fine gold, 30 mm diameter, reeded edge, 0.589 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Fr-100; KM 1201.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The June 2022 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancients & World Coins - Featuring Selections from the Kings Norton Mint Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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