What is the Reza Shah 500 Rial Banknote?

High denomination of the first Bank Melli series under Reza Shah — equivalent to a substantial sum in the 1930s. It was struck in SH 1317 / 1938 at Bank Melli Iran under Reza Shah Pahlavi.

Persian Treasury

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Pahlavi Dynasty

Reza Shah 500 Rial Banknote

High denomination of the first Bank Melli series under Reza Shah — equivalent to a substantial sum in the 1930s.

Key specifications for Reza Shah 500 Rial Banknote
Date	SH 1317 / 1938
Ruler / issuer	Reza Shah Pahlavi
Mint	Bank Melli Iran
Metal	Paper
Era	Pahlavi Dynasty (1925 – 1979 CE)
Region	Iran

Obverse

Reza Shah in military uniform; ornate guilloché frame.

Reverse

Anahita temple / national landmark vignette.

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 Reza Shah 500 Rial Banknote?: High denomination of the first Bank Melli series under Reza Shah — equivalent to a substantial sum in the 1930s. It was struck in SH 1317 / 1938 at Bank Melli Iran under Reza Shah Pahlavi.
What metal and weight is it?: Paper.
What designs appear on it?: Obverse: Reza Shah in military uniform; ornate guilloché frame. Reverse: Anahita temple / national landmark vignette.

Reza Shah 1000 Rial Banknote (first series)

Reza Shah Pahlavi

SH 1317 / 1938

Highest denomination of the Reza Shah series; rare in collectible grade.

Reza Shah Silver 5 Rial (1938)

Reza Shah Pahlavi

SH 1317 / 1938

Reza Shah's portrait silver — the first Iranian circulating coin since pre-Islamic Sasanian times to depict a living ruler's face. Issued in 1, 2 and 5 rial denominations from 1932 to 1942.