Expert: Brad Swain - 3/1/2010

Question
Hi Brad

I have a gold 22 carat Pahlavi which was bought in Iran some 30 years ago, it bears the head of Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi the son of Reza Shah Pahlavi, it weighs 47.3 grams and is in mint condition, please can you tell me if this has a value for collectors or only gold value?

Thanking you for your assistance.

Sheila Jones

Answer
Hi Sheila, it is likely a medal if there is no denomination (face value) or date.
The Shah was overthrown in 1979. The gold coins of the era were made of 90% gold, not 91.7% (22 karat). The closest weight to yours was the 40.68 grams 5 Pahlavi coin dated 1960-79.
If you have pictures (not over 1 megabyte each please) you can email them to me at tbirde@psknet.com.
With more info I'll be glad to try and help further.
Brad