Gold Pahlavi Iranian Coin Lapel Pin

This item is a decorative lapel pin or small brooch featuring a circular gold Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi coin mounted on a square gold-tone backing. The coin at the center depicts the profile portrait of Mohammad Reza Shah, the last Shah of Iran, facing left. The surrounding Farsi script confirms its Iranian origin, likely a quarter or half Pahlavi gold coin based on its scale relative to the fingers. The mounting is a minimalist square plate with clean, sharp edges, creating a geometric contrast to the circular coin. The metal of the coin appears to be of high gold purity (typically .900 fineness for Pahlavi coinage), exhibiting a rich, warm yellow hue. The square mounting may be a different karat of gold or gold-plated base metal, showing slight surface micro-scratches consistent with use. The strike of the coin remains sharp, with the details of the Shah's hair and facial features clearly visible. There are no obvious signs of solder damage on the face, though the mounting method is likely a bezel or adhesive on the reverse. The overall condition is good, showing a natural light patina but no significant dents or abrasions. This piece represents a blend of numismatic interest and mid-20th-century jewelry design, likely dating from the 1960s or 1970s.

I have conducted a visual examination of the featured lapel pin, which integrates a Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi gold coin into a modernist square mount. Based on the scale and visual characteristics, the coin appears to be a Quarter or Half Pahlavi struck in .900 fine gold. The strike is remarkably sharp, showing minimal circulation wear, which suggests the coin was selected for its aesthetic appeal at the time of mounting. The high-relief details of the Shah’s portrait and the Farsi lettering remain crisp, though the square mounting plate shows minor surface abrasions consistent with light wear. The market for Pahlavi-era gold remains strong, driven by both bullion value and historical nostalgia. Collectors of Iranian numismatics often seek 'jewelry coins' provided they haven't been damaged by harsh solder. While the design is representative of mid-20th-century Iranian craftsmanship, the value is primarily tied to the gold content plus a premium for the historical context of the Shah's reign. Authentication via image has inherent limitations. To confirm this value, I would require a physical weight in grams and a precision measurement of the coin's diameter to determine the exact Pahlavi denomination. Furthermore, an in-person acid or XRF (X-ray fluorescence) test is necessary to determine the karat of the square backing, as it may be 14k/18k gold or gold-filled base metal. This appraisal assumes the coin is a genuine Mint strike and not a contemporary 'souvenir' restrike common in some Middle Eastern markets.