Iran SH1320 1/2 pahlavi
This specimen was lot 1312 in Sincona sale 85 (Zürich, October 2023), where it sold for 5,000 CHF (about US$6,733 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"IRAN, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Shah, 1320-1358 SH (1941-1979). 1/2 Pahlavi 1320 SH (1941 AD), Tehran Mint. Very rare, especially in this condition. NGC MS65+. Cabinet piece. From the Kian collection, auction SINCONA 49, October 2018, lot 343. Bought from Dr. A. Shams-Aram, Frankfurt, 1988. Finest certified by NGC. This is the first issue of Mohammad Reza Shah and is of the highest rarity."
Reza Shah was an outspoken admirer of Adolf Hitler and when that became unacceptable to the Allies in 1941, they invaded. Reza Shah abdicated in favor of his son, Mohammed Reza Shah. This type, which matched the British half sovereign, was struck SH 1320-1323. The first two dates are scarce.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 4.06 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: KM 1147. Fr-98.
- 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]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 85, The Kian Collection - Part 1, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2023.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
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