Iran, Pahlavi Dynasty. A 2500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire Medal 1971

(2500 سالگرد مدال امپراتوری ایران). Instituted in 1971. In bronze gilt, unmarked, obverse illustrating the left-facing bust of Mohammad Reza Shah within an ornate border of water lilies, the reverse illustrating the ancient clay Cyrus Cylinder, dated "1971", with inscriptions in Persian and French within an ornate border of water lilies, measuring 36.7 mm (w) x 42.7 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, bronze gilt Pahlavi crown clasp in bronze gilt affixed to its original ribbon with dual prong pinback, in its original white cardboard box of issue with paper wrapper, near mint.

Footnote: The Celebration of the 2,500th Anniversary of the Founding of the Persian Empire was a national event in Iran that consisted of an elaborate set of grand festivities during October 1971, to celebrate the founding of the ancient Achaemenid Empire by Cyrus the Great. The intent of the celebration was to highlight Iran's ancient civilization and history as well as to showcase its contemporary advances under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The celebrations highlighted Iran's Aryan roots and pre-Islamic origins while promoting Cyrus the Great as a national hero.