In 1916, during WWI, a small German military unit, together with Turkish forces, occupied a small region in Persia. The goal of that mission was to prevent a united front of Russian and English troops in the Middle-East against the German-Austrian coalition.

The German and Turkish troops held up in Persia until 1918. During their occupation German bills with a Persian overprint were issued in the area.

The overprinted bills are denominated in Qaran and Toman: 12 Qaran, 25 Qaran, 5 Toman, 25 Toman, 250 Toman.

These bills are very rare and due to their high value have attracted falsification.

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- 5 Mark / 12 Qran & 10 Shahi

The overprinted regular German 5 Mark banknote is dated from 31 October 1904.

- 10 Mark / 25 Qaran

The overprinted regular German 10 Mark banknote is dated from 10 October 1906.

- 20 Mark / 5 Toman

The overprinted regular German 20 Mark banknote is dated from 19 February 1914.

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