This is a remarkably rare banknote from the inaugural 1944 Mohammad Reza Pahlavi series. The note exhibit exceptional preservation, retaining their original coloration after more than 80 years.
The other denominations from this series are 5, 10 and 20.
Historical significance
The brown 100 Rials banknote from the 1944 (1323 SH) series (Pick #43) is one of the most distinguished high-denomination issues of the early post-accession period. Printed in London by Harrison & Sons in a rich brown and soft green palette, the obverse features the first military-attired portrait of young Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi on the right. The central vignette prominently highlights the Bank Melli headquarters building in Tehran, surrounded by elaborate security underprint patterns and fine calligraphy.
The reverse emphasises maritime and commercial heritage with a detailed engraving of the Imperial yacht and traditional dhows docked at Port Anzali (Bandar Anzali) along the Caspian coast, anchored alongside the official Lion and Sun coat of arms. Issued with an Imperial Crown watermark and official signatures of Bank Melli leadership, this brown variety is widely sought after by collectors for its elegant composition and limited wartime mintage.
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