1000 Rials - Rezā Pahlavī 3rd. portrait, Persian text on reverse

Bank Melli Iran's 1000 Rial note of this period was among the highest denominations in circulation during a reign defined by rapid, often coercive modernization — Reza Shah's industrialization program depended heavily on foreign credit, and large-denomination notes saw genuine commercial use in settling import transactions. De La Rue's London production meant the plates never left British hands, a detail that would become politically uncomfortable after the 1941 Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran forced Reza Shah's abdication.

Pick 38A is scarce in any grade above Fine; wartime disruption to banking infrastructure and subsequent currency reforms account for most attrition.