The Pahlavi (coin): a Persian numismatic guide
Gold pahlavi bullion and presentation coinage of the Pahlavi dynasty. 6 catalogued examples spanning Pahlavi Dynasty, Islamic Republic.
In short
The Pahlavi is the gold coin of the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979) — 8.136 g at 0.900 fineness, containing 7.32 g of pure gold — struck at Tehran in full, half, quarter, and in 2½, 5 and 10 Pahlavi multiples. The Pahlavi (coin) is a Persian and Iranian denomination represented by 6 catalogued examples dated 1305 CE – 2535 CE. Gold pahlavi bullion and presentation coinage of the Pahlavi dynasty. Examples here are struck in Gold, Cupro-nickel, Paper money at mints including Tehran, Bank Markazi Iran.
- Catalogued
- 6
- Eras
- 2
- Metals
- 3
- Denominations
- 2
Key facts
| Catalogued pieces | 6 |
|---|---|
| Date range | 1305 CE – 2535 CE |
| Eras represented | Pahlavi Dynasty, Islamic Republic |
| Metals | Gold, Cupro-nickel, Paper money |
| Denominations | Pahlavi (coin), Rial |
| Mints | Tehran, Bank Markazi Iran |
| Issuers | Reza Shah Pahlavi, Mohammad Reza Shah, Transitional issue, Islamic Republic |
| Gross weight | 8.136 g |
| Fineness | 0.900 (7.32 g fine gold) |
| Mint | Tehran |
| Denominations | ¼, ½, 1, 2½, 5, 10 Pahlavi |
Specification and denominations
The full Pahlavi matches the British sovereign in fine gold content, which was deliberate: it was designed to be a trusted regional bullion coin. Fractions run to a half and a quarter Pahlavi, and larger 2½, 5 and 10 Pahlavi pieces were struck mainly for gifts and reserves.
Obverses carry the bust of Reza Shah or Mohammad Reza Shah; reverses show the imperial arms with the Lion and Sun, crown and wreath. Dates are in the Solar Hijri calendar for most issues, with a short run of coins dated in the imperial era counted from Cyrus the Great in the 2530s.
Value and buying
Pahlavi gold trades close to bullion with a small numismatic premium, so it is one of the few Iranian series whose price is set primarily by the gold market. Premiums appear for early Reza Shah dates, large multiples and mint-state examples with no bag marks.
Because the coin is a bullion product, counterfeits exist. Check gross weight (8.136 g), diameter and thickness, and buy from dealers who will guarantee metal content in writing.
Pahlavi Dynasty · 1925 – 1979 CE
Era overview →Islamic Republic · 1979 – present
Era overview →Frequently asked about Pahlavi (coin)
- How much is a gold Pahlavi coin worth?
- Roughly the value of 7.32 g of gold plus a small premium; early dates, large multiples and uncirculated examples sell above that.
- What is the difference between a Pahlavi coin and a sovereign?
- They contain the same fine gold weight of 7.32 g. The Pahlavi is Iranian, struck at Tehran with the Shah's portrait and the Lion and Sun; the sovereign is British.
- What is a Pahlavi (coin)?
- The Pahlavi (coin) is a Persian and Iranian denomination represented by 6 catalogued examples dated 1305 CE – 2535 CE. Gold pahlavi bullion and presentation coinage of the Pahlavi dynasty. Examples here are struck in Gold, Cupro-nickel, Paper money at mints including Tehran, Bank Markazi Iran.
- How many Pahlavi (coin) pieces are catalogued on Persian Treasury?
- 6 items, dated 1305 CE – 2535 CE, spread across 2 eras: Pahlavi Dynasty, Islamic Republic.
- Which metals were used for Pahlavi (coin) coinage?
- Gold, Cupro-nickel, Paper money. Each entry records the metal, the approximate weight where known, and a cited reference.
- Where were Pahlavi (coin) coins minted?
- Recorded mints include Tehran, Bank Markazi Iran.