Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, sjah van Perzië 1950 - 1981

This is a gold coin portraying Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, sjah of Persia, and its rich, metallic surface immediately speaks to themes of wealth and power. The coin's circular form, a classical shape evoking completeness and eternity, is divided into two distinct sides, each employing different symbolic languages. One side presents a profile of the Shah, encircled by Persian script, anchoring the coin in a specific cultural and historical context. The other side features a lion and sun motif, a powerful symbol of Iranian royalty. The relief work, though miniature, displays remarkable detail, indicative of the craftsmanship and value attributed to this object. The coin’s design creates meaning by visually associating the Shah with enduring symbols of Iranian identity. The very materiality of gold, a substance prized across civilizations, reinforces these themes. Consider how this small object once functioned not just as currency but as a concentrated symbol of national identity and sovereignty. Its design choices reflect deliberate efforts to shape perceptions of authority and legacy.