Pahlavi Specimen note 500 Rials 1974 Gem Uncirculated Pick 104 PMG 66 EPQ Top pop

 This refers to the Top Pop status as of October 2026. Please scan the provided QR code to view the most current information. The Top pop Specimen are considered highly desirable for collectors.

Significance 

Specimen notes of the 1974–1979 (SH 1353–1357) imperial issue represent the final, highly sophisticated series printed by De La Rue and Bradbury Wilkinson for Bank Markazi prior to the 1979 Revolution. Distributed to commercial banks and foreign central institutions for fraud prevention and identification, these uncirculated archival samples feature prominent, bold red overprints reading Specimen (نمونه) on the obverse and reverse, typically accompanied by zeroed serial numbers (e.g., 000000) or small official punch holes (perforations). Because this final Pahlavi series features refined security elements such as intricate lathework framing Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi in military uniform, complex Guilloché patterns, and specialised watermarks, high-grade Specimens are exceptionally scarce and sought-after.

Their short operational window before the monarchy's collapse makes top-certified examples (especially PMG or PCGS Choice/Gem Uncirculated grades) significant historical and numismatic rarities.