Turkish Gold Bullion (Meskuk) Coins
Since 1943 Turkey issued gold bullion coins in addition to the traditional gold coins. The bullion coins that were issued corresponded to the traditional 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 Kurush of the Ottoman period. The Ottoman Turks first appeared in Turkey in the early 13th century and the Ottoman Empire was established by the 17th century. However, towards the end of the 17th century the Ottoman Empire saw a steady decline due to the defeat of the Turkish navy by the Holy League in 1571 and then the Turkish forces surrounding Vienna in 1683.On 29th October 1923, Turkey became a republic. All of the bullion coins are dated 1923 plus the year of the republic.
There are two main types of Turkish gold coins. The type shown here are the more usual standard bullion type of coin, known as "meskuk", and are thicker than Monnaie de Luxe, which are usually slightly thinner and lighter, but of larger diameter. These decorative coins are also known as ziynet. They are often given as gifts and worn as jewellery. They are made in a more ornamental style.
Design and description
The obverse of the 50 Kurush gold coin features the head of Atat?rk facing left. Mustafa Kemal Atat?rk was Turkey?s first president from 1923 until his death in 1938. The reverse of the coin features a wreath with the legend and date in the middle.
Dates
All the issues or Kemal Ataturk bear the date 1923, when the Republic of Turkey was formed.
They also have another number below the 1923 date. To obtain the actual date of issue, simply add the two together, so for the coin in our photo 1923 + 49 = 1972.
Specifications
| Denomination | Type | Diameter | Weight | Alloy | Gold Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
50 Kurush
|
Definitive | 17.8 mm | 3.6083 | .9170 | 0.1063 |
Key to Table
Denomination = Face ValueWeight = Gross weight in grams.
Gold Content = Gold content in Troy Ounces.
1923/34 (1957) 100 Kurush Gold Coin
Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per orderEU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order
Rest of World (where available) £10 International Registered (fully insured)
Coins Wanted We make an active market in almost all world coins, gold or otherwise, including Turkish gold coins, whether listed on this page or not. If you have any of these coins to sell, please contact us, or post them to us for appraisal and offer.
Obverse of 1972 Turkish 50 Kurush Gold Coin
Other Turkish Coins
Reverse of 1972 Turkish 50 Kurush Gold Coin
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