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Auction: 24038 - The Dr. Martin M Mortazavi Collection of Persian Banknotes
Lot: 78

(x) Bank Melli, Iran, Specimen 1000 Rials, ND (1938) / AH1317, serial number A/000000 18,
the front of the banknote features Farsi text and decorative guilloches on a background with varying hues of green, blue, violet and orange. 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. Darius the Great was the king of Persia in 522-486 BC and a ruler of the Achaemenid dynasty. 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. Stamped in a violet shade reads ANNULLIERT SCHWEIZ BANKVEREIN BASEL, whilst SPECIMEN is perforated across the banknote. Equally the back of this banknote exhibits a green design, Farsi text and guilloches. Central to the back of the banknote is an image of Mount Damavand. This landmark holds great symbolism in Iranian culture and often appears on Iranian banknotes, representing the spirit of resistance and determination and standing as a symbol of Iran's stability through the landmarks unchanging nature. This banknote also features a watermark of Reza Shah,

(Pick 38As, BNB 132 for the type), in PMG holder 53 NET About Uncirculated, printer´s annotations, previously mounted, ink stamp

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

Sold for
£1,200

Starting price
£320