5 rials 1933

Common. While this is an older note from 1933, the 5 Rials denomination from this period was widely circulated and produced in substantial quantities by Bank Melli Iran. The eBay market data provided shows PMG 30 examples selling in the $250-$300 range, indicating moderate collector demand but steady supply. PMG 25 (Very Fine) examples would be more frequently encountered than higher grades, with catalog values in the $200 range for VG condition consistent with a common, accessible note for collectors.

This note was issued during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi (1925-1941), the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty who modernized Iran and centralized its banking system. The portrait of Reza Shah wearing his characteristic military high cap, shown on the obverse in a formal three-quarter pose, reflects his role as a military reformer and nation-builder. The reverse features the Lion and Sun motif, a traditional and enduring symbol of Persian/Iranian sovereignty that dates back centuries, emphasizing continuity with Iran's imperial heritage while modernizing its currency under the newly established Bank Melli Iran.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Reza Shah Pahlavi positioned at the left within a circular medallion frame with ornate decorative borders. The Shah wears a distinctive military-style high cap and is shown in three-quarter profile facing left. The central design incorporates an elaborate cartouche containing the Persian numeral 5, with additional denomination indicators in the decorative corner ornaments. The background employs a cream/beige base with green and dark green engraved elements creating geometric and floral pattern borders. The reverse displays a symmetrical design centered on an ornate cartouche containing Persian text, with the Lion and Sun symbol (Iran's traditional heraldic emblem) rendered within a circular medallion on the left, set against a sunburst or rays background. The printer's attribution to American Bank Note Company appears at the bottom. Both sides employ intricate geometric and floral patterns typical of security printing from this era.

Front side: 'بانک ملی' (Bank Melli / National Bank of Iran); Serial number 'G907817' in Latin characters; '۵' (5 in Persian-Arabic numerals). Back side: 'بانک ملی' (Bank Melli / National Bank of Iran); '۵' (5 in Persian-Arabic numerals); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution, New York).

Intaglio (engraved) printing, executed by American Bank Note Company of New York. The process is evidenced by the fine detail in the portrait, the sharp definition of the decorative borders, and the complex geometric patterns that characterize professional security printing of the 1930s. The multicolor printing suggests sequential application of colored inks onto cream/white bond paper, with the dominant green and accent colors applied to complement the black engraved design elements.

The observed serial number G907817 in red text is consistent with early Bank Melli Iran issues. This Pick-24 note may exist with various serial number prefixes and colors as Bank Melli issued notes across multiple years with different printing batches. The specific variety would be determined by the serial number prefix letter(s) and any dated overprints, though the 1933 date appears to be the standard issue date for this Pick number. No major recognized varieties (such as significant overprints or signature variations) are evident in this specimen.