5 toman 1946

Uncommon. The Iranian Azerbaijan Autonomous Government existed for only approximately one year (1945-1946) before being reintegrated into Iran, resulting in limited print runs for its currency issues. However, the note was not immediately recalled and examples do circulate among collectors. The Pick catalog P-S104a designation and VF condition grade suggest this is neither a common circulation survivor nor an extreme rarity. Examples typically trade at moderate prices reflecting its historical significance and relative scarcity compared to mainstream Iranian currency.

This note was issued during the brief existence of the Iranian Azerbaijan Autonomous Government (1945-1946), a period of geopolitical tension in the region following World War II. The reverse text appears to contain constitutional or governmental provisions, reflecting the autonomous government's attempt to establish legitimacy through formal documentation. The ornate Persian design elements on the obverse emphasize cultural identity and continuity with historical Persian numismatic traditions during a transitional political period.

The obverse features a sophisticated ornamental layout typical of Persian and Islamic design principles, with no portraits but rather an emphasis on geometric and calligraphic artistry. Five circular medallions serve as the primary design elements: four positioned in corners and sides each containing intricate Persian geometric patterns with Persian numerals, and one larger central cartouche with the denomination and issuing authority. The dominant turquoise/teal border frame creates a formal, official appearance. A purple circular stamp on the left side appears to be a post-issue verification or cancellation mark. The reverse contains three lines of numbered constitutional text in black Persian script on aged cream paper, serving as an informational or legal document side rather than a decorative design.

OBVERSE: Central cartouche contains 'آذربایجان' (Azerbaijan) with supporting text regarding 'effort and struggle for strength/prosperity.' Denomination text: 'پنج تومان' (Five toman). Decorative medallions display Persian numerals: '۵' (5), '۲' (2), and '۳' (3), likely indicating denomination variations or series markers. Date in Islamic calendar: '۱۶۶۱' (corresponding to 1946 CE). Signatures appear to read 'پالیروزی' (Paliruzi) and 'فراوده' (Faravahe), likely officials of the autonomous government. REVERSE: Three numbered lines of constitutional or governmental text in Persian script, though specific transcription is compromised by aging and legibility issues. The structure suggests legal provisions or foundational principles of the autonomous administration.

The note exhibits characteristics of traditional intaglio or letterpress printing combined with lithographic color work, evidenced by the crisp definition of the ornamental borders and the layered color application in turquoise/teal and black. The geometric medallion patterns show the fine line work typical of security printing of the 1940s era. The reverse text appears to be letterpress or intaglio printing. The printer for Iranian Azerbaijan Autonomous Government notes has not been definitively established in standard references, though the quality suggests contract printing by a regional or international security printer.

The Pick catalog designation P-S104a indicates this is variety 'a' of the 5 toman note, suggesting at least one other variety (likely P-S104b) exists. The specific signatures 'Paliruzi' and 'Faravahe' may identify this as a particular state of issue. The purple circular stamp overlay appears to be a verification or control mark rather than an intentional design variety. The Persian numeral arrangement in the medallions (۵, ۲, ۳) may indicate series or check digit sequences, though without access to multiple examples, the systematic nature of this variety cannot be confirmed.