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Auction: 24038 - The Dr. Martin M Mortazavi Collection of Persian Banknotes
Lot: 75

(x) Bank Melli, Iran, (matching colour seal) 500 Rials, ND (1938) / AH1317 with matching colour stamp 1319 (1940), serial number B/107389,
this note features a three-quarters portrait of Reza Shah in military uniform without the Pahlavi hat. The name of the bank no longer appears in French on the back, instead, the bank name and the serial numbers, including the prefix letters, are now in Farsi.

Although all the notes have the year printed on the front as (SH1316/1937), some are also hand-stamped on the back with a seal in various colours. In this instance, the seal is distinctly clear, displaying the date 1319, but often they bear dates that can be challenging to read.

At the centre of all the date stamps is a vignette from a stone relief at Persepolis depicting Darius the Great stabbing the Ahriman monster. This historic depiction symbolises the triumph of Darius over evil forces, showcasing a significant motif in Persian art and history.

These date stamps were applied when the notes were issued, and the date and design of the stamp define the different varieties.

Although the colours of the seals do not determine the varieties of the notes, collectors highly value when the seal matches the colour of the note, as is the case with this particular note with a blue seal matching the blue colour of this magnificent and high denomination 500 Rials,


(Pick 37c, BNB 131), in PMG holder 15 Choice Fine, only 10 notes in higher grade on PMG Census

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

Sold for
£300

Starting price
£110