IRAN, Pahlavis. Muhammad Reza Shah, AH 1320-1358 / AD 1941-1979. Medal (Gilt Bronze, 38 mm, 16.47 g, 12 h), pattern (?) on Empress Farah Pahlavi (* 1938). By H. Arzhang, no date (circa 1967). Bust of Farah Pahlavi to left; to right and left, ‘olyā hazrat Farah-e Pahlavī – shahbānū-ye Īrān’ (‘Her Imperial Majesty Farah Pahlavi, Empress of Iran’ in Persian); below, H. Arzhang’ (in Persian). Rev. Map of Iran bearing the name of the Persian Gulf in Persian: ‘khalīj-e Fārs’; crown at the top and the emblem of the University Credit Institution with its Persian name ‘Moʾassese-ye Eʾtebāri-ye Dāneshgāh’ at the bottom; laurel leaves to left; oak leaves to right. Apparently unique. In CCG encapsulation, graded PF 68 CAMEO. Tiny hairlines, otherwise, virtually as struck.



This medal is apparently unique and, to our knowledge, unpublished, placing it among the most remarkable discoveries in modern Persian numismatics. The reverse, bearing the emblem of the University Credit Institution, had already been employed on the medal issued for the coronation of the Imperial Couple on 26 October 1967. The present piece may well be a trial striking that was ultimately never issued. Both the composition of the metal and its precise date remain uncertain, neither of which is unfortunately indicated on the encapsulation. As such, it represents a highly important discovery and an intriguing addition to the Pahlavi coinage.