Auction: 24038 - The Dr. Martin M Mortazavi Collection of Persian Banknotes
Lot: 60
(x) Bank Melli, Iran, 1000 Rials, ND (1934-35), serial number A184380,
the front of the banknote features Farsi text and decorative guilloches on a background with varying hues of green and pink. On the right, a portrait of Reza Shah wearing a Pahlavi hat is visible. Additionally, 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 of this magnificent banknote also bears the signatures of Abdolhossein Hajier, an Iranian politician who later became Prime Minister in 1948, and Reza Gholi Amir Khosravi. Equally the back exhibits a green design, Farsi text and guilloches. Central to the back of the banknote 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 30b, BNB 114), in PMG holder 15 NET Choice Fine, repaired
Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
Sold for
£4,000
Starting price
£700