Iran Reza Shah 1/4 Rial

History

1/4 Rial 1936, KM# 1127, Iran, Reza Shah

Obverse. Photo © Numismatic Guaranty Company

Description

Reza Shah Pahlavi (1878–1944) was the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty and ruled Iran as Shah from 1925 to 1941. A former military officer, he seized power in a coup in 1921 and later modernized Iran through ambitious reforms in infrastructure, education, and the military. He sought to reduce foreign influence, particularly from Britain and the Soviet Union, and changed Persia’s name to Iran in 1935. However, his authoritarian rule and pro-German stance during World War II led to his forced abdication by the Allies in 1941, after which he was exiled to South Africa, where he died in 1944.

Obverse	Depicts a value in letters below an inscription in Persian letters mean " common in Iran" within a beaded circle surrounded by a laurel and oak wreath with ribbon below. Mint name in Persian below. رایج مملکت ایران ربعی طهران
Reverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion Coat of arms Iran Military Sword Depicts an Emblem of the Imperial State of Iran (radiant lion holding sword, 1932-1980) within a crowned laurel and oak wreath with ribbon, value in Persian letters. Date below in Solar Hejira (SH). The Lion and Sun motif is one of the better-known emblems of Iran. The motif has many historical meanings. First, it was an astrological and zodiacal symbol. Under Safvis and first Qajar kings, it received a specifically Shi'ite interpretation. In Safavid era the lion and sun stood for two pillars of the society, state and religion. It became a national emblem during the Qajar era. At the top of the coat of arms was the Pahlavi crown, created for the Coronation of Reza Shah in 1926, and the collar of the Order of Pahlavi was under the shield. ربعی ۱۳۱۵
Edge	Reeded (milled)