20 rials 1974

Common. This 20 Rials note from 1974 is a regular-issue banknote with substantial circulation figures typical of a mid-denomination denomination during Iran's Pahlavi period. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $3-$10 range for UNC specimens, with 2019 catalog values at $10 UNC, indicating ready availability in the collector market. The note was issued over several years (1974-1979) with significant print quantities, precluding any scarcity classification.

Issued during the reign of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1974, this banknote reflects Iran's modernization period and national pride in infrastructure development. The Amir Kabir Dam depicted on the reverse represents the Shah's ambitious dam-building program in the Karun River valley, symbolizing the nation's water management and hydroelectric advancement during the pre-revolution era.

The obverse features Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi depicted in right profile wearing an ornately decorated military uniform with formal regalia and shoulder insignia. His portrait is positioned on the right side against a rose/pink background. The left portion displays an elaborate circular Persian medallion incorporating Islamic geometric and floral patterns in purple, orange, and gold, featuring a heraldic lion figure at its center—a traditional symbol of Persian royal authority. All four corners are ornamented with decorative rosettes. The reverse showcases the Amir Kabir Dam (also known as Karun Dam) in a mountainous valley landscape rendered in reddish-brown tones, with the white/cream-colored dam structure prominently displayed against dramatic terrain showing multiple ridges and the water reservoir.

Front: بانک مرکزی ایران (Bank Markazi Iran / Central Bank of Iran); بیست ریال (Bīst Rīāl / Twenty Rials); ۱۵/۹/۱۳۵۳ (Persian calendar date 1353/9/15, corresponding to December 6, 1974). Back: BANK MARKAZI IRAN (Central Bank of Iran - English); KARUN DAM (English designation of the depicted dam structure).

Intaglio/line engraving process, as evidenced by the fine-line detail work visible throughout both sides, the precise geometric border patterns, and the intricate landscape rendering on the reverse. The printer is identified as TDLR (Tala Dizin Lillefafat Rahvari) based on catalog data. Security features include fine-line engraving throughout and detailed geometric border patterns designed as anti-counterfeiting measures.

This note corresponds to Pick-100a1 per the PMG population report, which indicates this is the primary cataloged variant for the base Pick number P-100a. The visual analysis shows the standard obverse design with Shah Pahlavi portrait and Persian medallion, and the standard reverse depicting the Amir Kabir Dam. No overprints, signature variants, or date variations are evident in the images provided that would indicate a sub-variety distinction.