ND (1971) Iran 100 Rials Commemorative PMG 65 EPQ Pick 98 Young Shah Pahlavi Gem UNC

ND (1971) Iran 100 Rials Commemorative PMG 65 EPQ Pick 98 Young Shah Pahlavi Gem UNC

Offered here is a beautiful Iran, Bank Markazi 100 Rials “Commemorative” note, cataloged as Pick 98, dated ND (1971) / SH1350, and certified by PMG as Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ. Printed by TDLR, this attractive issue features the Young Shah Pahlavi watermark type and is a well-preserved example of one of the more distinctive commemorative designs of the late Pahlavi era. The note carries serial number 2/123613 and is housed in a PMG holder confirming both grade and originality.

This is an authentic official issue of Bank Markazi Iran, issued during a period when Iranian banknote design combined elegant royal portraiture with broader themes of national progress and state identity. As a commemorative type, it stands apart from more standard circulation designs and offers a more specialized appeal for collectors of Iranian and Middle Eastern paper money. Notes from this period are especially desirable because they reflect the final decade of pre-Revolution Iranian currency, a chapter of monetary history that remains highly collectible today.

The obverse presents a finely engraved portrait of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi at right, paired with an ornate central design and richly detailed Persian decorative elements. The color palette of rose, violet, and pastel tones gives the note a refined appearance, while the crisp layout and detailed line work reflect the high production quality associated with major international security printers.

The reverse is especially interesting and helps define the commemorative character of the issue. It features three vignette panels symbolizing themes of public health, agriculture, and education, presenting a broader narrative of national development. This makes the note more than just a portrait issue; it is also a visual statement of the aspirations and messaging of the period. The combination of symbolism, careful engraving, and balanced design gives the note excellent eye appeal and strong historical resonance.

From an authenticity and quality standpoint, the note is certified by PMG, one of the most respected third-party grading services in numismatics. The coveted EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) designation confirms strong originality of the paper, an important feature for collectors seeking premium examples. A Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ grade places this piece comfortably in the upper tier for collector desirability, especially for a type that is sought after both for its design and its commemorative status.

Collector’s Value
Iranian commemorative notes from the Pahlavi era are popular because they combine history, artistry, and a more specialized collecting appeal than standard issues. This PMG 65 EPQ example offers strong grade, originality, and an unusually attractive reverse theme, making it an excellent addition for collectors of Iranian banknotes, commemorative world notes, and high-grade pre-Revolution paper money.