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Auction: 24038 - The Dr. Martin M Mortazavi Collection of Persian Banknotes
Lot: 58

(x) Bank Melli, Iran, 1000 Rials, ND (1934-35), serial number A065310,
the front features Farsi text and decorative guilloches on a background with varying hues of green. On the right, a portrait of Reza Shah wearing a Pahlavi hat is visible. In addition, on the left appears an image of Darius the Great Stabbing the Ahriman monster, from the stone relief at the Persepolis. The depiction of Darius the Great defeating the Ahriman monster serves as a powerful symbol on many of the banknotes of this period, reinforcing themes of good triumphing over evil, connecting modern Iran to its ancient heritage, and promoting national pride and cultural continuity. The front displays the signatures of Abdolhossein Hajier, an Iranian politician who later became Prime Minister in 1948, and Hosein Ala'a, who also served as Prime Minister in 1951 and then again from 1955 to 1957. Equally the back presents us with a green design, Farsi text and guilloches. Central to the back is an image of the Faravahar, a symbol of an ancient Persian religion, Zoroastrianism. Above the Faravahar on both the left and right appears the coats of arms with the crown, sun, lion and sword,

(Pick 30a, BNB 114), in PMG holder 12 Fine, repaired

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

Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£420