Obverse. Photo © Dea Moneta
  • 50 Dinars 1979, KM# 1231, Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
  • 50 Dinars 1979, KM# 1231, Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Description

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.

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Reverse

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
Characteristics
Material Brass Clad Steel
Weight 2.52 g
Diameter 20.1 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Tehran Mint

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