Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi 25 Rials

History

25 Rials 1971, KM# 1184, Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, 2500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire, Bull Capital

Obverse. Photo © Numismatic Guaranty Company

Description

The Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BCE, was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in history. Spanning from the Balkans and Eastern Europe to the Indus Valley, it became the largest empire of its time, known for its advanced administrative system, tolerance of diverse cultures, and innovations in governance. The Achaemenid dynasty (550–330 BCE) established an extensive network of roads, an efficient postal system, and policies that allowed subject peoples to maintain their languages, religions, and traditions. The empire’s legacy continued through subsequent Persian dynasties, leaving a profound impact on art, architecture, and global history.

The 2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire, held in October 1971 under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was an extravagant event marking the anniversary of Cyrus the Great’s founding of the empire. Hosted at the ruins of Persepolis, the ancient ceremonial capital, the lavish festivities aimed to showcase Iran’s imperial heritage and modernization under the Pahlavi regime. World leaders, royalty, and dignitaries from over 60 countries attended the event, which featured grand banquets, military parades, historical reenactments, and the inauguration of the Cyrus Cylinder as a symbol of human rights. While the celebration projected Iran as a global power, it also sparked criticism for its excessive spending and detachment from the struggles of ordinary Iranians, foreshadowing the discontent that contributed to the Iranian Revolution of 1979.

Obverse	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 wheat wreath. Value and date below in Monarchical Calendar System (MS) in Persian and English below, inscription above "Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Shah Aryamhar, the Shahanshah "King of Kings" of Iran" in Persian surrounding by a circle of 25 Persepolis motifs (as 25th century of the foundation of Persian Empire). "1000" assayer's marks right 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. محمدرضا شاه پهلوى آريامهر شاهنشاه ايران ريال ۲۵ 25 RIALS 1971 ۲۳۵۰ 1000
Reverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Bull Construction (building, bridge etc.) Column Depicts a Bull Capital from the Palace of Darius in Susa. A Bull Capital from the Achaemenid era, originally part of a supporting column in the Apadana (Great Hall) of Susa, was once a prominent architectural feature of the palace complex in ancient Persia. This grand palace was commissioned by King Darius I (r. 522–486 BCE) and stood in Susa, a key administrative and cultural center of the Achaemenid Empire, located in present-day Iran. Persian columns were a defining architectural feature of the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE), particularly in grand palatial complexes such as Persepolis, Susa, and Pasargadae. Inspired by earlier Mesopotamian and Egyptian styles yet distinctly Persian in design, these columns were characterized by their towering height, slender proportions, and elaborately sculpted capitals. Unlike the fluted columns of Greek architecture, Persian columns were typically smooth and often stood on bases adorned with geometric patterns.
Edge	Reeded (milled)