10 rials 1944

Common. While this is a vintage note from 1944, the 10 Rial denomination was a regular issue with substantial print runs by Bank Melli Iran. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $8–$145 range depending on condition, with ungraded VF specimens selling for approximately $13–$25, indicating steady collector demand but no scarcity premium. A 2016 catalog value of $75 UNC reflects typical pricing for well-preserved older Iranian issues rather than rarity. This note is readily available in the numismatic market.

This 1944 issue represents Bank Melli Iran's regular currency during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, following his accession to the throne in 1941. The portrait of the Shah in military uniform reflects the consolidation of his authority during World War II, while the reverse landscape celebrating the Alborz Mountains emphasizes national pride and Iran's natural heritage. The Harrison printing (as noted in reference catalogs) demonstrates the international security standards applied to Iran's currency during this period.

The obverse features a formal right-facing portrait of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi in military dress uniform, positioned on the right side of the note. The central design showcases an elaborate heraldic lion emblem (the Lion and Sun, a traditional Persian royal symbol) within a decorative cartouche, surrounded by ornate geometric and floral border patterns with scrollwork corner elements. The reverse presents a romantic landscape composition depicting the Caspian Seaside region of the Alborz Mountains, complete with cypress trees, a meandering river in the foreground, rolling hills, and a small structure, all rendered in fine detail and framed by matching geometric borders with circular medallions in each corner containing the denomination.

Front: 'بانک ملی ایران' (Bank Melli Iran / National Bank of Iran); '۱۰' (10 in Persian numerals); 'ریال' (Rial); Serial number '۲۵۰۸۹۳' printed in red. Back: '۱۰' (10 in Persian numerals, appears in corner medallions). Additional Persian text and denominational markings appear throughout both sides in accordance with standard banknote formatting of the period.

Intaglio (engraved) banknote printing, characteristic of Harrison & Sons (H&S), one of the world's premier security printers. The visual analysis confirms the presence of fine line work, detailed shading, crisp portrait rendering, and intricate border patterns typical of high-security intaglio production. The red serial numbers and watermark security features (Imperial Crown watermark noted in reference materials) were integrated during production.

PMG records indicate a single cataloged variant for Pick-40 under the H&S (Harrison & Sons) printer attribution. The observed specimen carries a red serial number (۲۵۰۸۹۳), consistent with standard production for this issue. No overprints, color variations, or signature varieties are apparent from the visual analysis, suggesting this is a standard first printing from the regular 1944 issue. Collectors should note that signature varieties may exist within this Pick number, though the visual detail available does not permit definitive signature identification.