The fifty thousand rial banknote is a denomination of Iranian currency that was issued in 2007,[1] and was considered its largest denomination until 2010.[2]

Fifty thousand rials
(Iran)
Value50,000 rials
Width166 mm
Height79 mm
Security featuresSecurity fluorescent fibers and ink, watermark, embedded and window security thread, intaglio micro printing, raised printing, linear image, electrotype, see-through image
Material used100% cotton
Years of printingSince 11 March 2007; 17 years ago (2007-03-11)

The bill features Rouhollah Khomeini's portrait on the front.[1] There are two designs for the back, the original (2007) is nicknamed as the "atomic banknote" by the western media, and the new design (2015) celebrates the eightieth anniversary of the University of Tehran, however is not commemorative.[3]

Design

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Original design

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Christian Funke describes the design as follows:[3]

It displayed a map of Iran that was decorated with an atomic model showing the orbital paths of electrons around the central nucleus. Besides the atomic diagram, a Persian translation of a tradition (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad was inserted into the map too. The inscription “Persian Gulf” appeared on the southern shore of the Iranian map.

Redesign

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According to Funke:[3]

it shows the main entrance to the university [of Tehran]. The empty space beneath the two arches in the banknote is filled with a couplet from Ferdowsi. Both the Persian content and its English translation are inscribed on the note: “Capable is the one who is wise, Knowledge makes the old heart young”.

References

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  1. ^ a b Funke, Christian (2013). "Tokens of Transformation and Contesting Power: Iranian Banknotes in Revolution and Turmoil". International Bank Note Society Journal. 52 (4): 38–49.
  2. ^ Sheikholeslami, Ali (16 June 2010). "Iran Will Introduce 100,000-Rial Note Amid Inflation Warnings". Bloomberg.
  3. ^ a b c Funke, Christian (2016). "Aesthetics and Politics of Redesigning Iranian Banknotes: Arab Wind, the Persian Gulf and the Absence of Nuclear Energy". International Bank Note Society Journal. 55 (2): 40–45.
Largest denomination of Iran
Preceded by 50,000 rials note
2007–2010
Succeeded by