10 rials 1958

Common. This note appears frequently in the market with consistent availability. eBay market data from 2009-2022 shows regular sales in the $3-$35 range depending on condition grade, with UNC examples typically selling for $5-$25 and graded examples (PMG 55-65) commanding modest premiums of $25-$36. Catalog values from 2016 list UNC at $12, reinforcing common circulation status. The note was a regular issue with presumably substantial print runs, and no evidence of scarcity or recall exists in standard references.

This note was issued during the reign of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a period of modernization and nation-building in Iran. The reverse design prominently features the Amir Kabir Dam near Karaj, a major hydroelectric and water management project that symbolized Iran's industrial and infrastructural progress in the mid-20th century. The formal military portrait of the Shah on the obverse reflects the authoritarian yet modernizing character of the Pahlavi regime during this era.

The obverse features Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in formal military dress uniform shown in profile facing left, adorned with medals and decorations—this represents the 'Fifth Portrait' of the Shah as documented in reference catalogs. The design is framed by an ornate border with floral and geometric corner medallions in shell-like fan patterns. The central area contains elaborate geometric and floral patterns rendered in pink, green, red, and purple tones, with fine guilloche work providing intricate background detail. The reverse depicts the Amir Kabir Dam (also known as Karaj Dam) in a detailed landscape engraving showing the concrete dam structure spanning between rocky cliffs with mountainous terrain and a reservoir lake behind it. The reverse maintains a more austere black and white engraving style with ornate decorative borders and floral pilasters on the left margin. Both sides bear dual-language inscriptions (Persian and English), reflecting Iran's international banking standards of the period.

FRONT SIDE: 'بانک ملی ایران' (Bank Melli Iran) in Persian; '۱۵/۱۲/۱۹۳۷' (Date: 15/12/1337 in Persian calendar, equivalent to 1958-1959 CE) appears twice; 'دس ریال' (Ten Rials) in Persian. BACK SIDE: 'BANK MELLI IRAN' in English; 'بانک ملی ایران' (Bank Melli Iran) in Persian; 'RIALS 10' in English; 'ده ریال' (Ten Rials) in Persian.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) combined with multi-color offset lithography. The note was printed by Harrison & Sons (Harrison printers), noted for their fine security printing work on currency. The security features include intricate guilloche patterns, fine line work, and detailed portrait and landscape engraving characteristic of high-security banknote production. A yellow security thread runs vertically on the obverse as noted in reference sources.

This example is identified as Pick catalog P-68, issued in SH 1337 (1958). The specific variety shown is Harrison & Sons printing (without imprint on face). The note features the Fifth Portrait of Shah Pahlavi and includes a vertical yellow security thread. The Persian calendar date shown is 15/12/1337. PMG records indicate one main variant for this Pick number. No distinct serial number prefix variations or signature varieties are evident from the visual analysis, though detailed examination of serial numbers would be required to identify any specific series or print run designations.