Iranian Pahlavi coins represent a unique intersection of history and investment potential. These gold coins, minted during the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, offer investors a way to own a piece of Iranian history while diversifying their precious metals portfolio.
Iranian Pahlavi coins' worth varies depending on multiple elements such as the present-day gold market, how well-preserved the coins are, and their importance in history. As with other vintage world gold coins, Iranian Pahlavis can serve as a hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation.
Investors often consider Iranian Pahlavi coins for portfolio diversification. These coins offer a way to invest in gold while potentially gaining additional value as collectibles, which in some cases can be worth more than just their gold content.
Most Iranian Pahlavi coins were minted by the Tehran Mint (Bank Melli Iran), which served as the main production facility. This mint, operated by the National Bank of Iran, was responsible for producing official Iranian currency, including gold Pahlavi coins, from 1937 to 1979.
While bars are common in many precious metal categories, Iranian Pahlavi primarily refers to coins. However, some private mints and refineries may produce commemorative or replica bars inspired by the Pahlavi era. These products are not official Iranian currency and their availability and specifications can vary.
Iranian Pahlavi coins come in various denominations, each with its own weight and gold content. Let's take a look at some standout cases:
1 Pahlavi Iran Gold Coin Tehran Mint: This coin contains 0.2354 troy ounces of gold with a purity of 90%. It features the portrait of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi on the obverse and the Iranian coat of arms on the reverse.
1/2 Pahlavi: Half the weight of the full Pahlavi, this coin contains approximately 0.1177 troy ounces of gold.
2 1/2 Pahlavi: Also known as the "2 and a half Pahlavi," this larger denomination contains about 0.5885 troy ounces of gold.
5 Pahlavi: The largest denomination in the series, the 5 Pahlavi coin contains approximately 1.177 troy ounces of gold.
1/4 Pahlavi: The smallest denomination, containing about 0.0589 troy ounces of gold.
These coins share comparable designs, with their sizes differing based on how much gold they contain. The portrait of the Shah and the Iranian coat of arms remain consistent across denominations.