Iran SH1348 2-1/2 pahlavi
This specimen was lot 33339 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, May 2024), where it sold for $1,560. The catalog description[1] noted, "IRAN. 2-1/2 Pahlavi, SH 1348 (1969). Tehran Mint. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. NGC MS-64. Surpassed in the NGC census by just three examples, this stunning near-Gem provides an abundance of radiant luster." The Qajar empire was nearly bankrupt by the end of the 1800’s, and the dynasty finally fell when Reza Khan, a commander of the Persian Cossack Brigade, led a coup d’etat and launched the Pahlavi Dynasty in 1925 AD. This type was struck SH1339-1342 and 1348-1353 but is seldom seen. Even so, few trade for more than their bullion value. Gold half (Fr-102), one (Fr-101), five (Fr-99) and ten pahlavis also exist. Among other reforms, the traditional AH calendar, based on lunar months, was dropped in favor of the SH calendar, which matched the Gregorian calendar except that its start date was that of the Hegira.
Recorded mintage: 3,000.
Specification: 20.34 g, 0.900 fine gold, 0.5886 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Fr-100; KM-1163.
- 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]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, May 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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