The Turkish/Ottoman Kurushs represent a captivating segment of numismatic history. These coins, minted during the Ottoman Empire's reign, offer investors and collectors a tangible connection to a bygone era. The Kurush, as a form of currency, played a crucial role in the empire's financial system and today serves as a fascinating glimpse into the past while offering investors a unique opportunity to add variety to their holdings.
Investors find Turkish/Ottoman Kurushs appealing due to their dual nature as both precious metal assets and historical artifacts. The actual gold in these coins gives them real worth, but their historical background makes them even more appealing to collectors. This combination can potentially lead to price appreciation beyond the mere value of the metal content.
Market factors influencing Kurush prices include gold spot rates, numismatic demand, and the condition of individual coins. Rarity, historical context, and preservation state all contribute to a coin's valuation. Adding these historical items to a diverse investment portfolio could help shield investors from market fluctuations, while also letting them own a physical piece of the Ottoman Empire's fascinating history.
The Turkish State Mint stands out as a primary producer of Turkish/Ottoman Kurushs. Steeped in history, this establishment was instrumental in producing currency during Ottoman times and remains an important player in Turkey's contemporary coin collecting and study scene.
While sovereign mints focused primarily on coin production, private refineries and manufacturers also contributed to the broader precious metals market during this period. These entities often produced bars and ingots, though such products from the Ottoman era are considerably rarer than coins.
A real standout in this collection is the esteemed Turkish (Ottoman Empire) Gold 100 Kurush Coin which truly catches the eye. Introduced during Sultan Abdul Hamid II's reign in the late 19th century, this coin exemplifies Ottoman numismatic craftsmanship.
The 100 Kurush coin weighs approximately 7.2 grams and measures around 22 millimeters in diameter. Islamic calligraphy and the sultan's elaborate signature, called the tughra, are commonly incorporated into the design, symbolizing the ruler's authority. With a gold purity of 0.9167, this coin contains 0.2127 Troy Ounces of gold.
The Turkish and Ottoman Kurush collection boasts several standout coins including:
The 50 Kurush coin, a smaller denomination with proportional gold content
The 250 Kurush coin, a weightier piece boasting a greater gold content than its 100 Kurush counterpart
The substantial 500 Kurush coin, with its impressive gold content and deep historical importance
The 25 Kurush coin, offering a more accessible entry point for collectors and investors
The coveted 1000 Kurush piece, a crown jewel in Ottoman gold currency
Each of these coins carries unique historical context and design elements reflective of the era in which they were minted. If you're aiming to diversify your investments and have a soft spot for historical artifacts, check out the Vintage World Gold collection. This section, which includes Turkish and Ottoman Kurushs, offers a variety of fascinating options.