50 Rials, Bank Melli Iran, Iran, 1317–1321 (1938–1942) (Pick 35A)

This 50 Rials note was issued in Iran by the Bank Melli Iran, with dates recorded from 1317–1321 (1938–1942). It belongs to the Second Rial (1932-date) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Reza Shah (1925-1941). It measures 153 × 80 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 35A. Numista identifies the design as “Rezā Pahlavī (3rd. portrait; Persian text on reverse)”.

Obverse: Green on multicolor underprint. Portrait Shah Reza in three-quarter face towards left without cap at right; Mount Damavand at left. Serial # in Western or Persian numerals. Its lettering reads “بانک ملی ایران / پنجاه ریال / ۱۳۱۷”. Translation given in the catalogue: “Bank Melli Iran Fifty Rials 1317”. Reverse: Green on multicolor underprint. Ruins of Tachara Palace of king Darius I The Great (Persepolis) at center; Coat of arms at left. Persian text. Its lettering reads “بانک ملی ایران / پنجاه ریال”. Translation given in the catalogue: “Bank Melli Iran Fifty Rials”.

The note was printed by De La Rue (Thomas de la Rue; Thomas De La Rue & Co.; TDLR), London, United Kingdom (1821-date). Signatures recorded for the type: Abdol Hossein Hajier (type 2) (AHH(2) (General Director); Reza Gholi Amir Khosravi (RGAK) (Minister of Finance). Demonetized: Yes. Identification note: match the value, issuing bank, printed date and Pick number together; dates and signature combinations distinguish sub-varieties, which are not separated in this entry. Details follow the Numista catalogue entry and the Standard Catalog reference it cites; they have not been checked against a central-bank archive.