Gold Prices in Turkey: The 2026 Guide to Coins & Investment

In Turkey, gold is not merely a commodity you trade on a screen; it is the bedrock of the entire social and economic system. While the world monitors exchange rates, the average Turk monitors the price of the “Çeyrek” (Quarter Gold). It is the unofficial parallel currency, the primary vehicle for savings, and the only acceptable way to pay social debts.

If you are living here or planning to invest, you need to look beyond the spot price. You need to understand the cultural nuances that dictate which coin to buy and when. For those tracking the broader financial landscape, understanding these dynamics is as crucial as monitoring Domestic Producer Prices to gauge real inflation.

Below, we break down the specific coin types used in daily Turkish life, separating tourist traps from genuine investment vehicles.

Note: Global gold prices are often quoted per Ounce (Oz), which is exactly 31.1034768 grams of pure gold. However, the Turkish market operates almost exclusively on the gram and specific coin weights listed below.

Turkish Gold Coins: The Two Main Categories

In Turkey, minted gold coins are almost exclusively 22-karat (916 fineness). However, not all coins are equal. If you walk into a jeweler (Kuyumcu) without knowing the difference between “Ziynet” and “Meskuk,” you might lose money on the spread.

There are two distinct families of coins:

• Ziynet Altını (Jewelry/Ornamental Gold): These are thinner, wider in diameter, and usually come with a small eyelet or hook attached so they can be pinned to clothing. These are primarily for gifting.
• Cumhuriyet Altını (Republic/Meskuk Gold): These are thicker, smaller in diameter, and resemble standard bullion coins. They rarely have handles attached. These are strictly for investment.

Insider Tip: If you are buying for investment, always ask for “Meskuk” or “Ata.” If you buy a Ziynet coin, you are paying a slightly higher premium for the craftsmanship and “giftability,” which you won’t recover when you sell.

The Coins: A Buyer’s Guide

Both coin types feature the portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic. The reverse side typically bears the inscription “Türkiye Cumhuriyeti” (Republic of Turkey) and the date of minting. Speaking of dates, pay attention to the year. “New Date” (Yeni Tarih) coins command a higher price than “Old Date” (Eski Tarih) coins, even though the gold content is identical.

The Quarter Gold (Çeyrek Altın)

The “Çeyrek” is the undisputed king of Turkish gold. It is the standard unit of currency for weddings, births, and circumcisions. If you are invited to a wedding during the 2026 Public Holidays season, pinning a Çeyrek on the bride or groom is the socially expected gesture.

• Weight (Ziynet): ~1.75 grams
• Weight (Meskuk): ~1.80 grams
• Diameter: 18 mm

The Half Gold (Yarım Altın)

Exactly double the value of a Quarter, the “Yarım” is reserved for closer relationshipssuch as siblings, cousins, or very close friends. It carries more prestige and “weight” (literally and figuratively) than the Quarter.

• Weight (Ziynet): ~3.50 grams
• Weight (Meskuk): ~3.60 grams
• Diameter: 22 mm

The Full Gold (Tam Altın / Lira)

Often called “Tam Lira,” this is the serious investor’s choice. While expats might look into starting a company in Turkey to grow wealth, locals often prefer stacking Tam Altın coins as a liquid, tax efficient hedge against inflation.

• Weight (Ziynet): ~7.01 grams
• Weight (Meskuk): ~7.21 grams
• Diameter: 30 mm (Ziynet) or 22 mm (Meskuk)

The Gremse (2.5 Lira)

The Gremse is a heavyweight, equivalent to 2.5 Full Golds or 10 Quarter Golds. It is rarely used as a gift unless it is for immediate family (parents to children). It is primarily a high value store of wealth.

• Weight (Ziynet): ~17.54 grams
• Weight (Meskuk): ~18.04 grams

The Ata Beşli (Five Lira Gold)

Also known as “Beşi Bir Yerde” (Five in One Place), this is the ultimate status symbol. Weighing over 35 grams of 22-karat gold, it was traditionally the headline gift at wealthy weddings. Today, due to the high price of gold, it is almost exclusively an investment instrument for high net-worth individuals.

Quick Reference: Weight & Type Table

Use this table to ensure you are getting the correct weight for your money. These standards are set by the Turkish State Mint (Darphane).

Whether you are buying a Çeyrek for a friend’s wedding or stocking up on Republic gold for your portfolio, Turkish gold offers high liquidity and a trusted 22-karat standard. Just remember the golden rule: Buy “Old Date” for investing to save money, and “New Date” for gifting to save face.