Imperial Bank of Persia — One Toman (1906)

Historical context — Qajar Dynasty

Qajar coinage introduced the Lion-and-Sun emblem, mechanised minting (1877), and the country's first banknotes (1890, Imperial Bank of Persia). Denominations: toman (gold), qiran (silver), shahi (copper).

Frequently asked

What is the Imperial Bank of Persia — One Toman (1906)?

Iran's first true paper currency: the British-chartered Imperial Bank issued notes from 1890 with each branch (Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, Bushehr, Yazd, Mashhad, Resht, Shiraz, Kermanshah) issuing non-fungible notes payable only at its own counter. It was struck in 1906 at Imperial Bank of Persia (printed by Bradbury Wilkinson, London) under Muzaffar al-Din Shah era.

What metal and weight is it?

Paper.

What designs appear on it?

Obverse: Lion-and-Sun cartouche; denomination in Persian and English; payable at the issuing branch only. Reverse: Branch overprint and serial numbers.

Related pieces

Gold

Qajar 10 Toman Gold (AH 1314)

Muzaffar al-Din Shah era

c. 1896 CE

Among the largest Qajar gold denominations. Muzaffar al-Din signed the Constitution in 1906.

Paper

Naser al-Din Shah 1 Toman Banknote (specimen)

Naser al-Din Shah Qajar

c. 1890

The smallest denomination of the earliest Iranian banknote series.

Paper

Naser al-Din Shah 10 Toman Banknote

Naser al-Din Shah Qajar

c. 1890–1923

Mid-range Imperial Bank note; a Tehran-payable 10 toman would not be accepted in Tabriz.

Paper

Naser al-Din Shah 25 Toman Banknote (specimen)

Naser al-Din Shah Qajar

c. 1890

High-denomination Imperial Bank note — equivalent to a modest annual salary at issue.

Paper

Imperial Bank One Toman — Yazd branch overprint

Naser al-Din / late Qajar

c. 1890–1923

A surviving example illustrating the branch-bound nature of early Iranian paper money.

Paper

Imperial Bank of Persia 5 Toman Banknote

Ahmad Shah Qajar era

c. 1924

Imperial Bank notes were issued payable at specific branches (Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, Yazd, Mashhad, Shiraz, Bushehr) — a note payable at one branch could not be cashed at another without exchange. The branch-restriction made counterfeiting harder but limited use. Image: related Imperial Bank Yazd-payable Tuman.