The area of Iran known as Iranian Azerbaijan issued a series of banknotes in 1946. These notes, which use the currency units krans and tomans, are highly collectible for enthusiasts both of Azerbaijan banknotes and Iran banknotes. Although somewhat rare, examples can usually be found for sale from a few vendors. Rare Iranian banknotes for sale include some bills in very nice condition, notes which can be a centerpiece of a good Middle Eastern paper money collection.
Where Exactly Do Iranian Azerbaijan Banknotes Come From?
The phrase “Iranian Azerbaijan” is still in use and refers to the northwest chunk of modern-day Iran. For collectors of banknotes, the phrase refers most specifically to the period between December 1945 and December 1946, when the area declared itself independent from Iran.
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It was during this brief era that six banknotes were issued. The notes were mostly one-sided; the obverse featured simple text-inside-ornate-borders layouts, in a single-color ink on either olive or grey paper. The denomination (number only) was usually stamped in the bill with small holes; as the only Latin numerals, these stamps can be the key to identify which note is which for Western collectors who don’t read Persian.
The reverse of Iranian Azerbaijan paper money was blank except for some Persian script, and the often more-clearly-visible denomination holes. The name “Azerbaijan” in Iranian Persian is آذربایجان; if you see that on a simple-looking note you may be in luck.
Currency and Details of Iranian Azerbaijan’s Paper Money
The currency, as stated above, for Iranian Azerbaijan’s banknotes were in Iran’s (not Azerbaijan’s, which used Soviet rubles) units:
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Singular: kran; plural: krans. (Also spelled qiran or qerun; قران)
Singular: toman; plural: tomans. (تومان)10 krans = 1 toman
This was a historic throwback to the toman/kran system of currency, which Iran had used but had replaced, in 1932, with rials. It’s a good example of how the breakaway republic thought of itself as a historically separate unit from Iran.
The six Iranian Azerbaijani banknote values, one of each of which you’ll need for a full set, were:
- 5 krans (i.e., half of a toman)
- 1 toman
- 2 tomans
- 5 tomans
- 10 tomans
- 50 tomans
As stated, while not especially common, you can indeed secure a full set of these with a bit of patience. None of the denominations is especially more rare than the others. It’s more of a matter of waiting and watching.
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In December 1946, Iranian’s central government sent forces to Iranian Azerbaijan to take the province back from its Communist rulers and restore Iranian rule in the area.
Does eBay Allow Iranian Azerbaijani Banknotes?
Not exactly – but they’re there if you know where to look.
Despite eBay’s disallowing of Iranian banknotes due to the US government’s embargo, sellers do offer paper money pieces from the historical province of Iranian Azerbaijan. To make sure they are listed, vendors will often omit the word “Iran” and its derivatives from their listings. These generally appear, at first glance, to be from the country of Azerbaijan, but are not. Additionally, these notes will often be found in unusual categories on eBay. It makes it harder to find them, but can narrow the buying competition from other buyers and collectors.
See also: Confederate Money: Collecting Amazing Civil War Currency
Here at MegaMinistore we scour multiple categories and sort through different sellers’ offers to find actual Iranian Azerbaijan banknotes for sale.
