Pahlavi Dynasty

50 Rial '2,500-Year Empire' Commemorative Banknote

Issued for the October 1971 Persepolis ceremonies marking 2,500 years since Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire — one of the most lavish state events of the 20th century.

Key specifications for 50 Rial '2,500-Year Empire' Commemorative Banknote
Date	SH 1350 / 1971
Ruler / issuer	Mohammad Reza Shah
Mint	Bank Markazi Iran
Metal	Paper
Era	Pahlavi Dynasty (1925 – 1979 CE)
Region	Iran

Obverse

Shah portrait with Persepolis vignette.

Reverse

Tomb of Cyrus the Great at Pasargadae; commemorative legend.

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.

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Frequently asked

What is the 50 Rial '2,500-Year Empire' Commemorative Banknote?: Issued for the October 1971 Persepolis ceremonies marking 2,500 years since Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire — one of the most lavish state events of the 20th century. It was struck in SH 1350 / 1971 at Bank Markazi Iran under Mohammad Reza Shah.
What metal and weight is it?: Paper.
What designs appear on it?: Obverse: Shah portrait with Persepolis vignette. Reverse: Tomb of Cyrus the Great at Pasargadae; commemorative legend.

Bank Markazi 1000 Rial (Mohammad Reza Shah)

Mohammad Reza Shah

1969–1971

Workhorse high-denomination note from the late 1960s oil-boom era, issued by the newly-founded Central Bank of Iran (Bank Markazi).

Mohammad Reza Shah 500 Rial Banknote (1976)

Mohammad Reza Shah

SH 2535 / 1976

From the late-Pahlavi 'imperial calendar' (Shahanshahi) series — controversially replaced the Islamic calendar in 1976.

Mohammad Reza Shah 5000 Rial Banknote (1977)

Mohammad Reza Shah

1977

Mid-high denomination of the final Bank Markazi Pahlavi series before the 1979 revolution.

Mohammad Reza Shah 10,000 Rial Banknote (1978)

Mohammad Reza Shah

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.