Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Iran's Crown Jewels Back Its Currency
Iran has a special way of supporting its money.
Instead of using gold or other usual things, it uses its crown jewels as a backup.
These jewels are very old and valuable, and they are kept in a bank vault in Tehran.
The jewels include big diamonds, crowns, and other precious items.
The idea is that having these jewels makes people trust the Iranian money more, even when the economy is having problems.
The jewels were collected over many years and were moved to the bank in 1937.
They are not sold or shown off but are kept as a kind of safety net for the country's money.
Other countries don't do this because they have different ways of supporting their money, but Iran's method helps it during tough times.
Iran uses its crown jewels as a financial reserve to back the rial, acting as collateral to limit excessive money printing.
The collection includes historic items like the Darya-i-Noor diamond and the Naderi Throne, valued at an estimated $20 billion to $50 billion.
The jewels were transferred to the Central Bank of Iran in 1937 and have remained there through political changes, including the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The collection was built over centuries, with significant additions from Nadir Shah's invasion of Mughal India in 1739.
Unlike other countries' crown jewels, Iran's are not insured, auctioned, or given a precise market value, and they are not used as tourist attractions.
- Who
- Iranian government and Central Bank of Iran
- What
- Iran's crown jewels acting as a financial reserve to back the rial
- When
- The jewels were transferred to the Central Bank in 1937
- Where
- Stored in the vaults of the Central Bank of Iran in Tehran
- Why
- To provide a stable backing for the Iranian currency, especially during economic instability and sanctions
- Location
- Central Bank of Iran, Tehran
- Notable Pieces
- Darya-i-Noor, Pahlavi Crown, Kiani Crown, Naderi Throne
- Estimated Value
- $20 billion to $50 billion (unofficial)
- Historical Origin
- 16th century, expanded in 18th century
- Current Role
- Financial reserve backing the Iranian rial