Iran SH1307 5 pahlavi
This specimen was lot 4278 in Sincona sale 67 (Zurich, October 2020), where it sold for 3,600 CHF (about US$4,740 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. 5 Pahlavi 1307 ShH/1928 AD. In wreath military bust to right between the accession date 1304, legend above Pahlavî shâhânshâh-i Irân and minting date below, value in a circle surrounded by a crowned wreath. NGC MS63."
When Reza Shah seized the throne in 1925, he adopted the solar Hegira calendar, which used the Gregorian calendar but deducted 621 years. Thus, SH 1306 = 1927 AD. The gold pahlavi was introduced in SH 1306-1308 to supersede the toman issued by the Qajars. One, two and five pahlavi (shown here) were issued. Originally 1.92 g, it was raised to 8.14 g after SH1310.
Recorded mintage: 785.
Specification: 9.59 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: KM 1116.
- 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]Jürg Richter, Auction 67, Persian Coins and Medals, World Orders and Decorations, Zurich: Sincona AG, 2020.
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