Iran - Persian Emp. 2500th Anniversary

Part of the 2500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire series under Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. There are four archaeological themes in this series (+ conjoined busts of the royal couple), I think the famous wall at Susa depicting the winged griffin with antlers is the best. Others are a column from Susa, a cylinder stone of Cyrus II, and a view of the ruins of Darius I palace in Persepolis. The griffin-lion, often represented at Susa, is here pictured on an element of architectural decoration from the palace of King Darius I the Great (522-486 BC). Another feature of the wall, not represented on this series of coins, are the equally interesting winged bulls.