Iran SH1305 toman
The first specimen was lot 4273 in Sincona sale 67 (Zürich, October 2020), where it sold for 750 CHF (about US$987 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"IRAN | Pahlavi Dynasty | Rezâ Shâh, 1344-1360 H./1304-1320 ShH./1925-1941 AD, Gold coinage. 1 Toman 1305 ShH/1926 AD. On the celebration of the new dynasty's first New year Pahlavî / nourûz a'lîhazrat / yâdgâr-i jashn-i to be read from bottom to top. About uncirculated."
The second specimen was lot 1863 in Goldberg sale 122 (Los Angeles, June 2021), where it sold for $2,160. The catalog description[2] noted, "Iran. Toman, SH1305 (1926). Reza Khan Pahlevi, 1925-1941. First New Year Celebration. NGC graded MS-61." Among other reforms, the traditional AH calendar, based on lunar months, was dropped in favor of the SH calendar, which matched the Gregorian calendar except that its start date was that of the Hegira. Thus, SH 1305 = 1926 AD. This toman, the last of the denomination, is scarce. Later, the gold pahlavi was introduced, originally 1.92 g, then 8.14 g after SH1310.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.87 g, gold, 19 mm diameter, this specimen 2.82 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-91; KM 1108.
- 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]Jürg Richter, Auction 67, Persian Coins and Medals, World Orders and Decorations, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2020.
- [2]Goldberg, Ira, Larry Goldberg, John Lavender, Yifu Che, Jason Villareal and Stephen Harvey, Goldberg Sale 122: the Pre-Long Beach Auction, Los Angeles: Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, 2021.
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