If so, this is not a coin, but a medal. Such medals are typically worth only their weight in gold, but Numista describes this medal as “rare,” so that might add some premium over its gold content.
I've never seen this one before but found an Instragam video showcasing a set of medals that appears to include this one. Video link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSoIuEUDwSL
But in case you can't access that page, here is the text:
“A Proof Set of Gold and Enamel Medallions Made for the Approval of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Benefiting the University Credit Foundation of Iran. This Original Presentation Set Contains Twenty-Six Proof Medallions Struck in Solid 22-Karat Gold, Including Six Highlighted with Elegant Enamel Work. The Entire Collection Is Housed in Its Official Presentation Case, Enhancing Authenticity and Historical Importance. Each Medallion Honors Major Milestones in Modern Iranian History, Including the Coronation of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the 2,500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire, and Key National Achievements Throughout the Pahlavi Era Such as the Advancement of the Oil Industry, Cultural Progress, and National Celebrations. Crafted with Remarkable Skill, the Medallions Feature Precise Engraving, Refined Reliefs, and Vivid Enamel Details That Showcase the Grandeur of Iran’s Imperial Heritage. The Designs Depict Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Farah Pahlavi, Reza Shah the Great, and Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, Symbolizing Strength, Legacy, and Unity. Commissioned by the University of Tehran to Support the University Credit Foundation, This Limited Series Was Presented for Final Approval to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Making It Both an Artistic Masterpiece and a Significant Historical Artifact from the Late Pahlavi Era”
Found 2 past sales on Heritage Auctions (HA) (both from 2017), but you have to log in to reveal the sold price. And remember that gold is way up since these sales and that would most likely add to the value.
HA says the actual gold weight (AGW) is 2.8900 oz, not sure why that is not listed on the Numista page.
Assuming it is genuine. I am spotting things that are raising questions in my mind. Can we see a photo of the reverse and can you verify composition? Not convinced this is exactly what it is representing itself to be.
Edit:
What is this compared to a genuine example like the obverse photo at the top of the Numista page?
Thank you. I checked and it’s 100.2g. It’s definitely real.
Harrykeepthechange
Assuming it is genuine. I am spotting things that are raising questions in my mind. Can we see a photo of the reverse and can you verify composition? Not convinced this is exactly what it is representing itself to be.
Edit:
What is this compared to a genuine example like the obverse photo at the top of the Numista page?
If so, this is not a coin, but a medal. Such medals are typically worth only their weight in gold, but Numista describes this medal as “rare,” so that might add some premium over its gold content.
I've never seen this one before but found an Instragam video showcasing a set of medals that appears to include this one. Video link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSoIuEUDwSL
But in case you can't access that page, here is the text:
“A Proof Set of Gold and Enamel Medallions Made for the Approval of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Benefiting the University Credit Foundation of Iran. This Original Presentation Set Contains Twenty-Six Proof Medallions Struck in Solid 22-Karat Gold, Including Six Highlighted with Elegant Enamel Work. The Entire Collection Is Housed in Its Official Presentation Case, Enhancing Authenticity and Historical Importance. Each Medallion Honors Major Milestones in Modern Iranian History, Including the Coronation of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the 2,500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire, and Key National Achievements Throughout the Pahlavi Era Such as the Advancement of the Oil Industry, Cultural Progress, and National Celebrations. Crafted with Remarkable Skill, the Medallions Feature Precise Engraving, Refined Reliefs, and Vivid Enamel Details That Showcase the Grandeur of Iran’s Imperial Heritage. The Designs Depict Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Farah Pahlavi, Reza Shah the Great, and Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, Symbolizing Strength, Legacy, and Unity. Commissioned by the University of Tehran to Support the University Credit Foundation, This Limited Series Was Presented for Final Approval to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Making It Both an Artistic Masterpiece and a Significant Historical Artifact from the Late Pahlavi Era”
What is this compared to a genuine example like the obverse photo at the top of the Numista page?
You haven't answered Harry's question. The stamps on your coin or different from the coin on the Numista page, and different from the coin from Heritage auctions. Can you make a close-up picture of those stamps, please? Even after enlarging your original picture the stamps are not readible.
Leili
Thank you. I checked and it’s 100.2g. It’s definitely real.
And why is it “definitely” real? Because the weight almost matches?
Assuming it is genuine. I am spotting things that are raising questions in my mind. Can we see a photo of the reverse and can you verify composition? Not convinced this is exactly what it is representing itself to be.
Edit:
What is this compared to a genuine example like the obverse photo at the top of the Numista page?
Does this help? It's the best I can do. I know it's genuine because my father bought it in Iran in the 1978 when I was born. And jewelers have confirmed.
What is this compared to a genuine example like the obverse photo at the top of the Numista page?
You haven't answered Harry's question. The stamps on your coin or different from the coin on the Numista page, and different from the coin from Heritage auctions. Can you make a close-up picture of those stamps, please? Even after enlarging your original picture the stamps are not readible.
Leili
Thank you. I checked and it’s 100.2g. It’s definitely real.
And why is it “definitely” real? Because the weight almost matches?
Hi, this is the best I can do. Hopefully it helps. I know it's real because my father bought it in Iran in 1978 and because jewelers have confirmed.
And here are the results with the price from those two links:
Thank you so much. If it was worth $7637.50 on Jan 9, 2017, I wonder how much it would be worth today – given how the price of gold has gone up? I haven't yet tried to calculate how much of that $7.6K was based on the melt value, and how much was added because it's a collectors' piece
I expect better from the Pobjoy mint which prides itself on exceptional pieces. That is pretty sloppy in my mind. Just raises a red flag to me on a coin that represents itself to be a $13,000 coin with reversed hallmarks. If I could I would look much harder at this piece if I was a buyer. Computer issues so working from my phone which is not ideal.
LeiliThank you so much. If it was worth $7637.50 on Jan 9, 2017, I wonder how much it would be worth today – given how the price of gold has gone up? I haven't yet tried to calculate how much of that $7.6K was based on the melt value, and how much was added because it's a collectors' piece
According to the Heritage Auction website (above), gold was US$1,180 on the auction date.
The actual gold weight is 2.89ozt, so melt value was about US$3,410.
The auction price in January 2017 was US$7,637.50 but that includes the buyer's premium (20-25%) so the hammer / sale price was closer to US$6,000.
Thus, rough estimate here, the medal sold for about 1.75 times its melt value (6,000/3,410).
But gold is high now and that eats into the premium. Can't say exactly what the medal would bring at auction today, too many factors involved.
I haven't read here or on the Heritage page or heard on the video anything about struck at the Pobjoy Mint. So i thought you were referring to the Dahomey coins but these were struck at the State Mint in Karlsruhe, Germany and by Gori & Zucchi in Arezzo. That's why I don't know where the Pobjoy Mint comes from.
Thank you. I brought this entire subject up only because the Numista page has the example from Heritage showing the discrepency from the start. Maybe it is of no concern but it caught my eye. Sorry if I caused any confusion.
I suspect that PCGS3000 (which is unfamiliar to me), based on that value, probably means for the entire presentation set at the time. As a weekly bidder on the Stack's Bowers Bullion auctions, material like this appears all the time. I'd estimate the value over the bullion value at not more than about 4%. Those auctions do not incur an auction fee (which is now around 22%) with shipping ~$25. The remote possibility that a Pahlavi might assume control in Iran again could boost value over bullion a little over the 4%. Auctions there typically start at 99% of the set value of bullion for the day, almost everything sells, and it's the only place I know where you can obtain bullion at LESS than 100% of bullion value.
