Persian Treasury
فارسی11 eras

Pahlavi Dynasty
Mohammad Reza Shah 10,000 Rial Banknote (1978)
Highest denomination of the final Pahlavi series — printed on the eve of the 1979 revolution; many were later overprinted with arabesques to cover the Shah's portrait.
| Date | 1978 |
|---|---|
| Ruler / issuer | Mohammad Reza Shah |
| Mint | Bank Markazi Iran |
| Metal | Paper |
| Era | Pahlavi Dynasty (1925 – 1979 CE) |
| Region | Iran |
Obverse and reverse
Obverse
Shah portrait in ceremonial dress; denomination in Persian and English.
Reverse
Tomb of Cyrus the Great at Pasargadae.
Historical context — Pahlavi Dynasty
Reza Shah reformed currency in 1932: the rial replaced the qiran (1 toman = 10 rial). Bank Melli took over note issuance in 1932. Pahlavi era includes commemoratives for the 2500-year celebrations and FAO series.
Read the full Pahlavi Dynasty essay →Frequently asked
- What is the Mohammad Reza Shah 10,000 Rial Banknote (1978)?
- Highest denomination of the final Pahlavi series — printed on the eve of the 1979 revolution; many were later overprinted with arabesques to cover the Shah's portrait. It was struck in 1978 at Bank Markazi Iran under Mohammad Reza Shah.
- What metal and weight is it?
- Paper.
- What designs appear on it?
- Obverse: Shah portrait in ceremonial dress; denomination in Persian and English. Reverse: Tomb of Cyrus the Great at Pasargadae.