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

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.

محمد رضا شاه پهلوى آريامهر شاهنشاه ايران
ريال ۵۰
50 RIALS
1971 ۱۳۵۰
1000

Reverse

Depicts a relief of winged lion from the Palace of Darius in Susa.

The winged lion from the Susa Palace of Darius I is a striking example of Achaemenid art, symbolizing power, divine protection, and the might of the Persian Empire. Discovered in the ruins of Darius the Great’s palace in Susa, an important administrative center of the empire, this glazed brick relief dates back to the 6th century BCE. The winged lion, often associated with royalty and guardianship, reflects influences from Mesopotamian and Persian artistic traditions, showcasing the empire’s cultural synthesis. These reliefs adorned the palace walls, emphasizing the grandeur of Darius I’s rule and the empire’s connection to divine authority. Today, some of these artifacts are preserved in museums, including the Louvre in Paris, where they continue to captivate historians and art enthusiasts alike.

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 15.06 g
Diameter 30 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (W)

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Bull Capital

2500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire

Silver, 7.47 g, ⌀ 26 mm