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The Turkey 100 Kurush gold coin from 1909 to 1918, issued during the reign of Sultan Mehmed V, holds a significant place in numismatic history. Sultan Mehmed V ascended to the Ottoman throne in 1909 and reigned until his death in 1918. His reign was marked by considerable political change, with the empire grappling with internal reforms and the pressures of World War I. The issuance of gold coins, such as the 100 Kurush, during this period highlights the Ottoman Empire’s continued reliance on precious metal coinage as a means of stabilizing the economy and facilitating trade despite the turbulent circumstances. The 100 Kurush gold coin is a reminder of the empire's rich numismatic history and the period of modernization that Sultan Mehmed V sought to implement before the fall of the empire in 1922.
The design of the 100 Kurush gold coin from this period is striking and reflects the artistic and cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire. The obverse of the coin features the calligraphic inscription of the Sultan's name and title, “Mehmed V, Sovereign of the Ottomans, may his rule endure.” Surrounding this inscription is a floral pattern, which was a common motif in Ottoman coinage, symbolizing the empire’s connection to the broader Islamic world. The central feature of the coin is a star-and-crescent design, which is an emblem widely associated with the Ottoman Empire and later became the foundation for the modern Turkish national flag. The reverse side of the coin showcases the denomination “100 Kurush” along with additional inscriptions, including the year of minting and the mintmark, typically from the Istanbul Mint, where many of the empire's coins were produced. The use of intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns reflects the Islamic art influences on Ottoman currency design, maintaining both functionality and aesthetic value in a coin that was used for everyday transactions.
The 100 Kurush coin was minted at the Istanbul Mint, one of the most historically significant mints in the Ottoman Empire. The Istanbul Mint, established in the 15th century, was responsible for producing the majority of the empire's coinage, including both gold and silver coins. During the reign of Sultan Mehmed V, the mint underwent modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of coin production, including the introduction of new dies and machinery. The coin’s composition is 22 karat gold, a standard for high-value Ottoman coins at the time, and the mint struck the 100 Kurush with a weight of 3.25 grams. The minting of gold coins such as the 100 Kurush was important for the Ottoman Empire’s economy, as it allowed the state to maintain trade relationships with both European and Middle Eastern markets. Despite the empire’s political instability, the use of high-quality gold coinage continued to be a means of asserting the value and reliability of Ottoman currency in the global market.
The mintage of the 100 Kurush gold coin during the years 1909 to 1918 was substantial, although the exact number of coins struck each year can vary. Due to the ongoing conflicts of the time, especially World War I, mintage records for many coins produced during this era can be somewhat difficult to confirm. However, based on available records and the high demand for gold coinage during Sultan Mehmed V’s reign, it is believed that millions of these coins were struck over the course of the decade. Despite the large number of coins produced, many of the 100 Kurush coins from this period were worn down due to their circulation, making well-preserved examples rare and highly sought after by collectors. The scarcity of higher-grade examples of these coins, combined with their historical importance, contributes to their continued desirability in the numismatic market today.
The 100 Kurush gold coin is typically found in a variety of conditions, but the examples from 1909 to 1918 are most commonly encountered in Very Fine (VF) and Fine (F) grades. Coins in Very Fine condition show moderate wear, with the design still visible but softened due to handling and circulation. In these grades, the inscriptions, including “Mehmed V” and “100 Kurush,” remain readable, but the finer details of the floral patterns and the star-and-crescent motif may have worn away. Coins in Fine condition show more significant wear, with further loss of detail, but the overall design is still legible. The highest-grade examples, such as those in Extremely Fine (EF) or About Uncirculated (AU) condition, are much rarer and command a premium price due to their superior preservation and the clarity of their intricate design elements. A coin in higher-grade condition will show sharp features, with only slight wear visible on the high points, and the floral patterns and calligraphy will be well-defined. These coins are especially prized by collectors who seek pristine examples of Ottoman currency from this historically important period.
As a gold coin, the 100 Kurush also has inherent value due to its precious metal content. The 22-karat gold content of the coin gives it intrinsic value, which fluctuates with the market price of gold. However, its numismatic value far exceeds the simple value of its gold content, especially when considering its historical and cultural significance. The 100 Kurush was used as a unit of currency in the Ottoman Empire, and it continued to play an important role in trade and commerce throughout the early years of the 20th century. The design, which includes Islamic motifs and symbols of Ottoman rule, makes it an important piece for collectors interested in Islamic coinage or Ottoman history. Furthermore, the coin’s status as a symbol of the final years of the Ottoman Empire adds to its appeal, as collectors often look for coins that represent the end of an era.
Collectors who specialize in Ottoman coins or coins from the late Ottoman period find the 100 Kurush gold coin to be an essential piece in any collection. The coin serves as a reminder of the long and storied history of the Ottoman Empire, which spanned more than 600 years. As one of the last coin designs issued before the empire's dissolution in the aftermath of World War I, the 100 Kurush is a tangible connection to a bygone era. The coin’s rarity, particularly in higher grades, makes it a coveted item for collectors. Its design, reflecting both Islamic artistic traditions and Ottoman imperial symbolism, makes it a significant and beautiful piece for those interested in the cultural heritage of the region. The 100 Kurush is also valued by investors due to its precious metal content and its long-term potential for appreciation in value, given the historical context and the scarcity of well-preserved examples.
In conclusion, the Turkey 100 Kurush gold coin from 1909-1918, issued during the reign of Sultan Mehmed V, is a historically important and visually appealing piece of numismatic history. The coin’s design, which includes Islamic motifs and symbols of the Ottoman Empire, reflects the cultural and artistic heritage of the period. The coin’s substantial mintage and its continued use as currency make it an integral part of Ottoman coinage. Despite its large mintage, the coin’s value is enhanced by its historical context, its role in the late Ottoman period, and the rarity of well-preserved examples. Whether for collectors interested in Ottoman coins, investors seeking precious metal assets, or those fascinated by the history of the empire, the 100 Kurush gold coin remains a prized item that continues to attract attention in the world of numismatics.
