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Auction: 23888 - The Michael E. Bonine Collection of Persian and World Banknotes
Lot: 38

(x) Imperial Bank, Kingdom of Persia, 20 Tomans, Yezd, 18th June 1913, serial number T/A 13092, Michael Bonine's pursuit of knowledge began at the University of Texas in Austin, where he embarked on a remarkable path. His dedication and passion for geography led him to earn a Ph.D., and it was during his academic endeavours that he developed a deep connection with the Iranian city of Yazd (formerly known as Yezd).

In the late 1960s, Michael and his wife, Marilyn, embarked on an extraordinary journey. They set out from London, their trusty Land Rover carrying them across vast distances to the heart of the Middle East. This journey to Yezd was more than just a trip; it was the genesis of a lifelong love for travel and the start of a distinguished career as a photographer of both human and physical geography. From that first voyage, Michael's reputation for the breadth of his intellectual interests and the quality of his photographic work was firmly established.

Yezd is a city that embodies a remarkable blend of history, culture and innovation. Located in the heart of the desert, it's traditional adobe buildings and windcatchers (Badgirs) are ingeniously designed to provide natural cooling despite the scorching heat. Innovative water management systems, such as qanats (underground water channels), have been integral to Yezd's survival in the arid desert environment, providing vital resources for agriculture and daily life.

But Yezd is more than just its architecture; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Zoroastrian community in Iran. The city is renowned for its significant Zoroastrian presence, with the Fire Temple at its core. Within this temple, a sacred flame named the Behram Fire has burned since 470 CE, symbolising the resilience of the faith.

Yezd's historical significance extends beyond its borders. As a pivotal stop along the Silk Road, it served as a bridge for the exchange of economic and cultural influences between the East and West.

Michael's life and scholarly pursuits, intertwined with the captivating narrative of Yezd, exemplify the profound impact that curiosity, exploration and the quest for knowledge can have on our understanding of the world.

This 1st series 20 Tomans, printed by Bradbury Wilkinson for the Yezd branch of the Imperial Bank of Persia, represents the journey at the centre of Michael's passion for collecting. On PMG Census, this note is one of only two examples, highlighting its rarity.

In seldom cases it could be said that a banknote represents much more cultural and historical significance than it appears from observing its nominal value, and this 20 Tomans is no doubt one of those examples
(Pick 5, BNB 107), in PMG holder 30 Very Fine, minor repairs, stamp and signatures lacquered, incredibly rare!

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£29,000

Starting price
£8000