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 Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi facing left, an inscription above "50th Anniversary of Pahlavi Rule" in Persian. Date below in Monarchical Calendar System (MS).

Mohammad Reza Shah took the title Shahanshah ("King of Kings") on 26 October 1967.

Under Mohammad Reza's reign, Iran marked the anniversary of 2,500 years of continuous Persian monarchy since the founding of the Achaemenid Empire by Cyrus the Great – concurrent with this celebration, Mohammad Reza changed the benchmark of the Iranian calendar from the Solar Hejira (SH) to the beginning of the First Persian Empire, measured from Cyrus the Great's coronation. The Monarchical Calendar System (MS) was adopted in 1976 and was abandoned in 1978. The Solar Hejira was in use in Iran from 1925 until the introduction and after the abolishment of the MS.

پنجاهمین سال شاهنشاهی پهلوی
۲۵۳۵

Reverse

Depicts an Emblem of the Imperial State of Iran (radiant lion holding sword, 1932-1980) within crowned laurel and oak wreath with ribbon. Value in Persian 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.

ريال ۱۰

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 7 g
Diameter 28 mm
Thickness 1.7 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Tehran Mint

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