Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Dinar 1976-1979, KM# 1156a, Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
  • 50 Dinar 1976-1979, KM# 1156a, 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

Value within a wreath of two oak branches. Date below in Monarchical Calendar System (MS) or in Solar Hejira (SH).

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.

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۲۵۳۶

Reverse

Depicts an Emblem of the Imperial State of Iran (radiant lion holding sword, 1932-1980) within crowned wreath. State name 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.

پنجاه دينار

Edge
Characteristics
Material Brass Plated Steel
Weight 2.5 g
Diameter 20.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment -

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