Iran SH1354 1/4 pahlavi
This specimen was lot 4301 in Sincona sale 67 (Zurich, 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."
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 1354 = 1975 AD. In 1931 the system 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.
Recorded mintage: unknown but a better date.
Specification: 2.03 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: KM 1198.
- 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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