Iran SH1358 1/4 pahlavi
The first specimen was lot 4301 in Sincona sale 67 (Zürich, October 2020), where it sold for 300 CHF (about US$395 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"IRAN | Pahlavi Dynasty | Muhammad Rezâ Shâh, 1320-1358 ShH./1941-1979 AD, Gold coinage. 1/4 Pahlavi 1358 ShH/1979 AD. Head to left with name and title including Aryâmihr above, date below, rev. crowned lion and sun above value in wreath, low relief head. Rare last date. NGC MS63."
The second specimen was lot 617 in Sincona sale 69 (Zürich, May 2021), where it sold for 265 CHF (about US$352 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"IRAN, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Shah, 1320-1358 SH (1941-1979). 1/4 Pahlavi 1358 SH (1979). Seltener Jahrgang. FDC. (Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Shah, 1941-79, quarter pahlavi of SH 1358, Rare date, Uncirculated.)"
In 1931 the coinage was reformed and 100 dinars = one rial. This type was struck SH 1354-1358 for the shah. The pahlavi matched the British sovereign in gold content. As the pahlavi was always sold at its gold price, it had no fixed ratio to the rial. The shah was overthrown in 1979 and he died the next year.
Recorded mintage: unknown but a better date.
Specification: 2.03 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: KM 1198.
- 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]Jürg Richter, Auction 69, World Coins and Medals, Bullion Auction and Chinese Banknotes, Part 1, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2021.
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