50 rials 1971
Market Prices
12 salesAbout This Note
This is an Iranian 50 Rials banknote from 1971 (Pick P-90), issued by Bank Markazi Iran during the reign of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The note features a portrait of the Shah in military dress on the obverse and depicts the Koohrang Dam on the reverse, both rendered in fine intaglio engraving with a green and pink color scheme. Despite bearing evidence of circulation—including creases, fold marks, and a manuscript annotation across the center—the note retains its fundamental structural integrity and represents a significant piece of Iranian monetary history from the pre-revolutionary period.
Common. eBay market data shows multiple sales across various grades (F, VF, EF, UNC) ranging from $2.80 to $26.15, with catalog values for 2019 established at $4 (VF) and $10 (UNC). The relatively consistent availability and modest price range indicate this note was produced in substantial quantities and remains readily available to collectors. The observed condition with circulation marks is typical for notes of this age and issue.
This banknote was issued during the later years of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's reign, a period marked by rapid modernization and infrastructure development in Iran. The inclusion of the Koohrang Dam on the reverse commemorates Iran's industrial progress and engineering achievements, while the Shah's portrait in military uniform on the obverse reflects the political authority and nationalist fervor of the era. This note represents the monetary system of the Pahlavi dynasty, which would be entirely replaced following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi in military uniform with decorative medals and insignia, positioned in a circular frame on the right side of the note. The portrait is rendered in fine detail characteristic of intaglio engraving. The reverse depicts the Koohrang Dam (also known as Karun Dam), a major infrastructure project completed during the Shah's reign, showing the concrete spillway structure with water flow, surrounded by mountainous terrain and valley landscape. Both sides employ extensive Islamic geometric arabesques and ornamental border patterns typical of Iranian banknote design of this period. Denomination markers (spade symbols) appear in all four corners. The 'Light Panel' variant noted in the catalog refers to the contrasting light ornamental panel upon which the Bank Markazi Iran name is displayed on the front.
FRONT: Bank Markazi Iran (Persian: بانک مرکزی ایران) appears in a central decorative cartouche; Serial number 196/4622350 in Persian numerals; Denomination 50 (۵۰) marked in corners. BACK: Bank Markazi Iran (English: BANK MARKAZI IRAN) appears at top in pink lettering; Denomination 50 (۵۰) in Persian numerals; Text reading 'Fifty Rials' (Persian: پنجاه ریال) in decorative frame at bottom.
Intaglio (engraved) printing on banknote paper, produced by H&S (Heraclio Fournier, Vitoria) as indicated in the PMG population data. The fine line work visible throughout the design, the precise detail in the portrait and landscape elements, and the security borders are all characteristic of high-quality intaglio banknote production. Multiple color passes were used to achieve the green and pink dominant coloration.
The specific variety is the 'Light Panel' variant (P-90), distinguished from the earlier 'Dark Panel' notes (P-85) by the contrasting light ornamental panel behind the Bank Markazi Iran inscription on the front. The serial number observed (196/4622350) indicates this is from the standard circulation printing. PMG records indicate one primary variant cataloged for this Pick number. No overprints or signature variations are noted in the visual analysis.
