Iran Reza Shah , Mohammad Reza Pahlavi 50 Dinars

History

50 Dinars 1936-1953, KM# 1142, Iran, Reza Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)

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.

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (1919–1980) was the last Shah of Iran, ruling from 1941 until the Iranian Revolution in 1979. He pursued rapid modernization, economic growth, and Westernization through policies like the White Revolution but faced growing opposition due to political repression, widespread corruption, and increasing authoritarianism. His close ties with the West, particularly the United States, and his secret police, SAVAK, fueled resentment among various social and religious groups. Amidst mass protests and unrest, he was forced into exile in 1979, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. He died in Egypt in 1980.

Obverse	Depicts a value in Persian within a laurel and oak wreath with ribbon below. Date below in Solar Hejira (SH). The Solar Hijri calendar (also known as the Persian calendar) is the official calendar of Iran and Afghanistan and is considered one of the most accurate in the world due to its reliance on precise astronomical observations. It is a solar calendar, with the year beginning on Nowruz (March 20 or 21), the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. The calendar consists of 12 months, with the first six having 31 days, the next five 30 days, and the last month 29 or 30 days depending on leap years. Following a 2820-year cycle, it ensures long-term accuracy and differs from the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is lunar. The Solar Hijri calendar is widely used for official and civil purposes in Iran and Afghanistan. ۵۰ ۱۳۱۸
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) value in Persian letters within a crowned laurel and oak wreath with ribbon below. 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. پنجاه دینار
Edge	Reeded (milled)