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IRAN: Nasir al-Din Shah, 1848-1896, AR 5000 dinars, Tehran, AH1297. NGC MS63

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Coins: Ancient Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
IRAN: Nasir al-Din Shah, 1848-1896, AR 5000 dinars, Tehran, AH1297. NGC MS63
SOLD
5,000.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2016 Sep 16 @ 09:24UTC-7 : PDT/MST
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IRAN: Nasir al-Din Shah, 1848-1896, AR 5000 dinars, Tehran, AH1297, KM-914, plain edge, blazing prooflike surfaces, dappled golden toning, possibly the finest known example of the Tehran mint, NGC graded MS63 PL. This magnificent example is as close to a true proof that could have been manufactured at the Tehran mint, using equipment newly imported from Europe. The details of the lion's face and beard are extraordinarily sharp, and there is a trace of cameo surface, especially on the obverse. The inscription on the reverse is incredibly sharp, despite a trace of double-striking most visible in the ruler's name, as one might expect on an early strike from newly acquired dies. There also exists a proof or specimen version believed to have been struck at the Brussels mint, of which a specimen sold by Heritage in 2014 for $20,000 (Auction 3033, Lot 23326). The Brussels type can be readily distinguished by the position of the ray extending from the sun-face through the lion's tail, thinner and closer to the tip of the tail on the Tehran strike, thicker and further from the tip of the tail on the Brussels type. The Brussels type also has three rays emerging to the left of the lion's head, whereas there are none there on the Tehran piece. The Brussels rays end with a blunt point, whereas Tehran rays are relatively sharp at the edge. Finally, the bottom folds of the wreath's ribbon below the lion is very different. This piece is clearly the Tehran mint product, perhaps a specimen strike from the Tehran mint. It is unquestionably superior to even the finest regular examples of the same type and year.