Iran SH1315 1/2 pahlavi
This specimen was lot 4280 in Sincona sale 67 (Zurich, 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 after the monetary reform of March 1932 redefining the Pahlavi as 100 riyal instead of 20 riyal. 1/2 Reformed Pahlavi 1315 ShH/1936 AD. Military bust to left, above Rezâ Shâh Pahlavî shâhânshâh-i Irân lion and sun in wreath, a crown above. NGC MS64."
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 1314 = 1935 AD. In 1931 the system was reformed and 100 dinars = one rial. This type was struck SH 1310-1315. The new pahlavi was raised to match the British sovereign in gold content. As the pahlavi was always sold at its gold price, it had no fixed ratio to the rial.
Recorded mintage: 1,042 (highest mintage date).
Specification: 4.07 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: KM 1132.
- 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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