200 Rials - Mohammad Rezā Pahlavī Imperial Couple

Issued to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire, this piece was part of an elaborate state celebration organized by Mohammad Reza Shah in October 1971 at Persepolis — an event so extravagant it was estimated to have cost between $100 million and $200 million, drawing sharp criticism both internationally and from domestic religious figures, including Ayatollah Khomeini in exile. The festivities were attended by representatives of 69 nations and staged almost entirely by French contractors, with Maxim's of Paris catering the banquets.

The .999 fine silver specification at 60 grams places this well above typical commemorative coinage of the period, reflecting the deliberately ostentatious character of the entire program.