Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi 75 Rial

History

75 Rial 1971, KM# 1186, Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, 2500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire

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

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. محمد رضا شاه پهلوى آريامهر شاهنشاه ايران ريال ۷۵ 75 RIALS 1971 ۱۳۵۰ 1000
Reverse	Book Cyrus Cylinder Depicts the event's official logo, with the Cyrus Cylinder placed above a Persian inscription reading "The 2500th anniversary of the founding of the Shah of Iran." This is encircled by 25 Persepolis motifs, symbolizing the 25th century since the founding of the Persian Empire. At the top, the arms of dominion of the Shah, which also served as the coat of arms of the Imperial State of Iran (1932–1979), are prominently displayed. The entire composition is framed by an image of Iranian King Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient clay artifact from the 6th century BCE, inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform, which records the decree of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, following his conquest of Babylon in 539 BCE. Often regarded as the first charter of human rights, the inscription details Cyrus's policies of religious tolerance, repatriation of displaced peoples, and just governance, including his decision to allow exiled groups, such as the Jews, to return to their homelands. Discovered in 1879 in Babylon, the cylinder is now housed in the British Museum and remains a powerful symbol of good governance and cultural inclusivity, influencing modern interpretations of human rights and leadership. مرا داد فرمود و خود داور است دو هزار و پانصدمین سال بنیانگزیری شاهنشاه ایران
Edge	Reeded (milled)