Iranian Azerbaijan Banknotes: 1946 Rare Krans and Tomans

HomeBanknotesMiddle East banknotesAzerbaijan banknotes

Iranian Azerbaijan Banknotes
1946 Rare Krans and Tomans

FIND IRANIAN AZERBAIJAN BANKNOTES FOR SALE

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.

Browse 12 current Iranian Azerbaijan banknotes for sale offers here

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:

See also: Sweden Dag Hammarskjöld rare banknotes for collectors

Singular: kran; plural: krans. (Also spelled qiran or qerunقران‎)
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.

More on MegaMinistore: United States rare banknotes and collectible paper money

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: Oceania rare banknotes and collectible paper money

Here at MegaMinistore we scour multiple categories and sort through different sellers’ offers to find actual Iranian Azerbaijan banknotes for sale. 

Iranian Azerbaijan banknotes for sale

Currently showing our favorite 12 sales from eBay vendors. Click for shipping details and money-back guarantee info. Iranian Azerbaijan banknotes listings are chosen using MegaMinistore's original custom technology. We show you only the latest and best sales from safe, trusted sellers. Listings are updated and refreshed every day.

When you click a link to a merchant and make a purchase, it can result in this website earning a commission. Affiliations include, but are not limited to, eBay Partner Network. 

Showing 1 - 10 of 12

NGC MS Khurshid 740-761 AD Tabaristan,​ Hemidrachm Silver Silk Road Persian Coin

Seller: historical-treasures-rare-coins ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (3,663 ratings)
Location: United States

$174.99

Buy It Now Price

NGC MS Khurshid 740-761 AD Tabaristan,​ Hemidrachm Silver Silk Road Persian Coin

Seller: historical-treasures-rare-coins ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (3,663 ratings)
Location: United States

$144.99

Buy It Now Price

NGC MS Khurshid 740-761 AD Tabaristan,​ Hemidrachm Silver Silk Road Persian Coin

Seller: historical-treasures-rare-coins ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (3,663 ratings)
Location: United States

$144.99

Buy It Now Price

NGC MS Khurshid 740-761 AD Tabaristan,​ Hemidrachm Silver Silk Road Persian Coin

Seller: historical-treasures-rare-coins ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (3,663 ratings)
Location: United States

$144.99

Buy It Now Price

AZERBAIJAN 1 Toman 1946,​ P-S102a,​ w/ Hand Stamp,​ Circulated,​ Issued Note,​ Scarce

Seller: mlb104635 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (12,393 ratings)
Location: United States

$69.50 or best offer

Buy It Now Price

AZERBAIJAN 2 Tomans 1946,​ P-S103a,​ w/ Hand Stamp,​ Circulated,​ Scarce Issued Note

Seller: mlb104635 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (12,393 ratings)
Location: United States

$145.00 or best offer

Buy It Now Price

AZERBAIJAN 5 Tomans 1946,​ P-S104a PMG 40 EF,​ SINGLE TOP POP FINEST,​ Rare Grade

Seller: mlb104635 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (12,393 ratings)
Location: United States

$385.00 or best offer

Buy It Now Price

PMG 55 Azerbaijan Autonomous Government 50 Tomans 1946 - 1324 About Uncirculated

Seller: everydaydeal2015 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (2,021 ratings)
Location: United States

$4,420.00 or best offer

Buy It Now Price

AZERBAIJAN - 50 TOMANS 1946 @ UNC @

Seller: elbi111 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (7,225 ratings)
Location: Israel

$99.99

Buy It Now Price

AZERBAIJAN 1 - 2 - 5 Tomans 1946,​ P- S102a S103a S104a,​ 3x Set,​ Circulated Notes

Seller: mlb104635 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (12,393 ratings)
Location: United States

$385.00 or best offer

Buy It Now Price

Show
1 - 10 of 12

Browse more on MegaMinistore