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Welcome fellow collectors! If you’re looking to add some beautiful and historic Turkish lira banknotes or coins to your collection, you’ve come to the right place. As an avid collector myself, I’ve learned the ins and outs of buying Turkish lira online safely and securely. So let me walk you through everything you need to know.
this article explores the rich history and production of Turkish lira banknotes and coins, providing helpful insights for new and experienced collectors. It aims to aid collectors in appreciating Turkish Lira and building their own special collections.
A Brief History of Turkish Lira
The Turkish lira has a long and storied history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The first modern lira banknotes were issued in 1923 after the founding of the Republic of Turkey. Since then, the lira has undergone several revaluations and emissions, each resulting in unique and collectible banknotes and coins. Some key things for collectors to know:
- Old Turkish lira was used from 1923 to 2005
- New Turkish lira replaced old lira starting in 2005
- New lira was relaunched as just “Turkish lira” in 2009
- Banknote designs feature portraits of Ataturk and other notable Turks
- Coin designs depict cultural symbols like the Ankara Castle
So in your collection you may find old or new lira, and from different eras – all offering historical significance.
The lira was formally introduced as the main unit of currency in the Ottoman Empire in 1844, with the kuruş as a 1/100 subdivision. The Ottoman lira remained in circulation until 1927.
The first modern Turkish lira banknotes were then issued in 1923 after the founding of the Republic of Turkey. Since then, the lira has undergone revaluations and new editions, resulting in collectible and historic banknotes and coins.
Of note for collectors are the rare “Tughra overprints”, 1945 Victory issue notes, and inflationary Kurus era notes before the 2005 revaluation. The lira has also held unfortunate world records as the least valuable currency in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In December 2003, the Turkish Grand National Assembly passed a law to redenominate the lira by removing six zeros, creating the new Turkish lira (TRY). This was introduced on January 1, 2005 at a rate of 1 new TRY = 1,000,000 old lira.
In the transition period between 2005 to 2008, the new currency was officially called the “New Turkish Lira” (YTL) and subdivided into 100 new kuruş. In 2009, the “new” label was removed and it became just the “Turkish lira” (TL) again.
This revaluation produced a new series of banknotes and coins for collectors to seek out. It also ended the lira’s standing as the world’s least valued currency at the time.
So in your collection you may find both old and new Turkish lira, from before and after the 2005 revaluation, each with their own numismatic intrigue.
Who Prints Turkish Liras?
The Turkish Grand National Assembly, which has the unique right to print and circulate banknotes in Turkey, has delegated this ability to the CBRT in perpetuity.
Banknotes are created and printed in Turkey at the Banknote Printing Plant, a part of the Central Bank Of Turkey.
The Turkish Central Bank is one of the few central banks that has its own printing factory.
The CBRT not only prints and distributes banknotes, but it also decides the number of Turkish lira banknotes in circulation.
Turkish Lira Banknote Printing Process
The printing and distribution of Turkish lira banknotes is handled by the Issue Department and Banknote Printing Factory of the Central Bank of Turkey.
The complex printing process involves:
- Graphic designers first creating the artistic and cultural elements to appear on the banknotes.
- Producing the printing plates and procuring necessary materials like special paper and ink.
- Using advanced machinery to print the banknote design, serial numbers, and security features onto the paper sheets.
- Conducting quality control checks to ensure clean and error-free banknotes.
- Cutting the printed sheets into individual banknotes.
- Destroying any imperfect notes and bundling the rest for distribution.
The Central Bank then circulates the new lira banknotes via its branch network and banknote depots around Turkey.
So each beautiful Turkish lira banknote goes through a sophisticated printing and distribution process before finally reaching the hands of collectors like us! It makes you appreciate the work and craftsmanship that goes into each note.
Now let’s get back to building your own great collection.
Turkish Lira Coins Minting Process
The General Directorate of Mint and Stamp Printing House (Darphane in Turkish) is responsible for the minting of Turkish lira coins.
The coin minting process involves:
- Designing the technical and artistic features of the coins based on legal authorization.
- Using state-of-the-art minting machinery to produce circulation and commemorative coins.
- Implementing updated designs and denominations during currency reforms.
For example, new Turkish lira coins were introduced in 2005 during the revaluation. In 2009 the “new” inscription was removed, returning to traditional Turkish lira coins.
Turkish Lira Coins Alloy Specifications and Historical Information
The table includes information about various Turkish coins, including their type, diameter, thickness, weight, alloy composition, edge features, circulation dates, withdrawal dates, and an image reference.
Turkish Coins not In Circulation
From 1940 Until 1968
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight | Composition (%) | Edge Feature | Circulation Date | Withdrawal Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 COINS | 17 | 1.22 | 2 | Cu 85 – Al 10 – Others 5 | Smooth | 1940 | 1950 |
| ½ KURUŞ | 16 | 1.15 | 1.7 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Smooth | 1947 | 1965 |
| 1 KURUŞ | 18.5 | 1.13 | 2.5 | Cu 75-Zn 25 | Smooth | 1935 | 1950 |
| 1 KURUŞ | 18 | 1.15 | 2.25 | Cu 70-Zn30 | Smooth | 1947 | 1965 |
| 1 KURUŞ | 14 | 0.78 | 1 | Cu 70-Zn30 | Smooth | 1961 | 1965 |
| 1 KURUŞ | 14 | 0.78 | 1 | Cu 95-Sn4-Zn1 | Smooth | 1963 | 1969 |
| 1 KURUŞ | 14 | 0.76 | 1 | Cu 97-Zn2,5-Sn 0.5 | Smooth | 1969 | 1976 |
| 1 KURUŞ | 14 | 1 | 0.4 | Al 99.5-Fe 0.40-Other 0.1 | Smooth | 1975 | 1989 |
| 100 COINS | 18.75 | 1.13 | 2 | Cu 91-Al 9 | Milled | 1924 | 1939 |
| 2 ½ KURUŞ | 21 | 1.15 | 3.15 | Cu70-Zn 30 | Smooth | 1948 | 1965 |
| 5 KURUŞ | 22.5 | 1.46 | 4 | Cu 91-A 19 | Milled | 1924 | 1939 |
| 5 KURUŞ | 21.5 | 1.32 | 4 | Cu 75-Zn 25 | Milled-Inscribed | 1935 | 1952 |
| 5 KURUŞ | 16 | 1.24 | 2.25 | Cu 70-Zn30 | Inscribed | 1950 | 1968 |
| 5 KURUŞ | 17 | 1.26 | 2.5 | Cu 95-Sn4-Zn 1 | Smooth | 1958 | 1969 |
| 5 KURUŞ | 17 | 1.2 | 2 | Cu 97-Zn 2.5 | Smooth | 1970 | 1976 |
| 5 KURUŞ | 17 | 0.7 | 1.35 | Cu 97-Zn 2.5 | Smooth | 1974 | 1976 |
| 5 KURUŞ | 17 | 1.5 | 0.9 | Al 99,5-Fe 0,4-Other0.1 | Smooth | 1975 | 1989 |
| 10 KURUŞ | 27.2 | 1.85 | 7.5 | Cu 91-Al 9 | Milled | 1920 | 1938 |
| 10 KURUŞ | 25.5 | 1.4 | 6 | Cu 75- Ni 25 | Milled | 1935 | 1951 |
| 10 KURUŞ | 18.1 | 1.3 | 2.5 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Inscribed | 1949 | 1968 |
| 10 KURUŞ | 21 | 1.26 | 4 | Cu 95-Sn 4-Zn 1 | Smooth | 1958 | 1969 |
| 10 KURUŞ | 21 | 1.15 | 3.5 | Cu 97-Zn 2.5 | Smooth | 1969 | 1976 |
| 10 KURUŞ | 21 | 0.85 | 2.5 | Cu 97-Zn 2.5 | Smooth | 1969 | 1976 |
| 10 KURUŞ | 21 | 1.5 | 1.35 | Al 99.5-Fe 0.4-Other 0.1 | Smooth | 1969 | 1989 |
| 25 KURUŞ | 29.5 | 1.76 | 1 | Ni 99.5-Other 0.5 | Milled | 1924 | 1938 |
| 25 KURUŞ | 19 | 1.1 | 3 | Ag 83-Cu 14,5-Ni9-A 16 | Milled-Inscribed | 1935 | 1949 |
| 25 KURUŞ | 19.5 | 1.4 | 3 | Cu 80- Zn5-Ni 9-A 16 | Milled-Inscribed | 1944 | 1949 |
| 25 KURUŞ | 22.6 | 1.33 | 4.5 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Inscribed | 1948 | 1968 |
From 1966 until 2010
| Denomination | Diameter (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (g) | Composition | Edge | Years Minted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 KURUŞ | 22.6 | 1.27 | 4 | Acmonital-52 | Milled-Inscribed | 1966-1989 |
| 25 KURUŞ | 22.6 | 1.57 | 5 | Acmonital-52 | Milled-Inscribed | 1959-1989 |
| 50 KURUŞ | 20 | 1.35 | 4 | Ag 60-Cu 40 | Milled | 1947-1960 |
| 50 KURUŞ | 24.6 | 1.48 | 6 | Ag 83-Cu 14.5 Ni 2.5 | Milled-Inscribed | 1935-1949 |
| 50 KURUŞ | 25 | 1.55 | 6 | Acmonital-52 | Milled | 1971-1989 |
| 100 KURUŞ | 29 | 1.86 | 1.2 | Ag 83-Cu 14.5 Ni 2.5 | Milled | 1934-1942 |
| 1 LIRA | 25 | 1.5 | 7.5 | Ag 60-Cu 40 | Milled | 1947-1960 |
| 1 LIRA | 27 | 1.45 | 7.5 | Cu 70-Ni 30 | Milled | 1957-1965 |
| 1 LIRA | 27 | 1.76 | 8 | Acmonital-52 | Milled | 1959-1982 |
| 1 LIRA | 27 | 1.57 | 7 | Acmonital-52 | Inscribed | 1968-1982 |
| 1 LIRA | 17 | 1.8 | 1.1 | Etial-30 | Smooth | 1981-1990 |
| 2 1⁄2 LIRAS | 30 | 2.19 | 12 | Acmonital-52 | Inscribed | 1960-1989 |
| 2 1⁄2 LIRAS | 30 | 1.64 | 9 | Acmonital-52 | Inscribed | 1969-1989 |
| 5 LIRAS | 32.5 | 1.75 | 11 | Acmonital-52 | Milled | 1974-1982 |
| 5 LIRAS | 21 | 1.8 | 1.7 | Etial –30 | Milled | 1981-1990 |
| 5 LIRAS | 21 | 2 | 1.7 | Etial –30 | Milled | 1984-1989 |
| 10 LIRAS | 25 | 1.8 | 2.4 | Etial-30 | Milled | 1981-1990 |
| 20 LIRAS | 22.9 | 1.8 | 7 | Cu 75-Ni 16-Zn 8-Mn 1 | Smooth | 1984-1990 |
| 25 LIRAS | 26.9 | 2.2 | 2.8 | Etial-30 | Milled | 1985-1990 |
| 50 LIRAS | 26.7 | 1.8 | 9 | Cu 75-Ni 16-Zn8-Mn 1 | Milled | 1984-1995 |
| 50 LIRAS | 18.75 | 1.4 | 3.3 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Milled | 1988-1995 |
| 100 LIRAS | 29.6 | 1.8 | 11 | Cu 75-Ni 16 Zn 8-Mn1 | Milled | 1984-1995 |
| 100 LIRAS | 20.75 | 1.4 | 4.1 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Milled | 1988-1995 |
| 500 LIRAS | 23.75 | 1.6 | 6.1 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Milled | 1988-1998 |
| 1,000 LIRAS | 25.5 | 1.8 | 8.1 | Cu 69.5-Zn 18-Ni 12-Mn 0.5 | Milled | 1990-1998 |
| 1,000 LIRAS | 17 | 1.8 | 3 | Cu 90-Zn 10 | Milled | 1995-1998 |
| 2,500 LIRAS | 27.25 | 1.8 | 9.3 | Cu 69.5-Zn 18-Ni 12-Mn 0.5 | Inscribed | 1991-1998 |
| 5,000 LIRAS | 28.75 | 2.1 | 10.3 | Cu 69.5-Zn 18-Ni 12-Mn 0.5 | Inscribed | 1992-1.02.2001 |
| 5,000 LIRAS | 19.5 | 2.6 | 6 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Milled | 1995-1.02.2001 |
| Denomination | Diameter (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (g) | Composition | Edge | Years Minted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 LIRAS | 19.5 | 1.6 | 3.5 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Milled | 1998-1.02.2001 |
| 10,000 LIRAS | 23.5 | 2.9 | 9.75 | Cu 69.5-Zn 18-Ni 12-Mn 0.5 | Inscribed-Milled | 1994 |
| 10,000 LIRAS | 23.5 | 2.1 | 6.75 | Cu 69.5-Zn 18-Ni 12-Mn 0.5 | Inscribed | 1997 |
| 25,000 LIRAS | 26 | 2.7 | 11 | Cu 69.5-Zn 18-Ni 12-Mn 0.5 | Inscribed | 1995 |
| 25,000 LIRAS | 17 | 1.6 | 2.7 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Smooth | 2001 |
| 50,000 LIRAS | 28 | 2.5 | 11.7 | Cu 69.5-Zn 18-Ni 12-Mn 0.5 | Inscribed | 1996 |
| 50,000 LIRAS | 17.75 | 1.7 | 3.2 | Cu 65-Ni 18-Zn 17 | Smooth | 2001 |
| 100,000 LIRAS | 25 | 2.0 | 5.75 | Cu 82.5 Ni 10 Zn-7.5 | Milled | 1999 |
| 100,000 LIRAS | 21 | 1.8 | 5.4 | Cu 65-Ni 18-Zn 17 | Smooth | 2001 |
| 250,000 LIRAS | 23.5 | 2.6 | 4 | Cu 65-Ni 18 Zn 17 | Inscribed | 2002 |
| 25,000 LIRAS | 17 | 1.6 | 2.7 | Cu 70, 30 Zn | Smooth | 2003 |
| 50,000 LIRAS | 17.75 | 1.65 | 3.2 | Cu 65-Ni 18-Zn 17 | Smooth | 2003 |
| 100,000 LIRAS | 21 | 1.75 | 4.6 | Cu 65-Ni 18-Zn 17 | Smooth | 2003 |
| 250,000 LIRAS | 23.5 | 2.6 | 4 | Cu 65-Ni 18 Zn 17 | Inscribed | 2003 |
| 1 NEW KURUŞ | 17 | 1.6 | 2.7 | Cu 70-Zn 30 | Smooth | 2005-1.01.2010 |
| 5 NEW KURUŞ | 17 | 1.7 | 2.9 | Cu 65-Ni 18 Zn 17 | Smooth | 2005-1.01.2010 |
| 10 NEW KURUŞ | 19.25 | 1.7 | 3.85 | Cu 65-Ni 18 Zn 17 | Smooth | 2005-1.01.2010 |
| 25 NEW KURUŞ | 21.5 | 1.95 | 5.3 | Cu 65-Ni 18 Zn 17 | Milled | 2005-1.01.2010 |
| 50 NEW KURUŞ | 23.85 | 1.95 | 6.9 | Cu81-Ni4-Zn15 Cu75-Ni15-Zn10 | Wide Milled | 2005-1.01.2010 |
| 1 NEW TURKISH LIRA | 26.15 | 1.95 | 8.3 | Cu75-Ni15-Zn10 Cu81-Ni4-Zn15 | Spaced Milled | 2005-1.01.2010 |
Turkish Coins In Circulation
| Denomination | Diameter (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (g) | Composition | Edge | Years Minted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 KURUŞ | 16.5 | 1.35 | 2.2 | Cu90-Zn10 | Smooth | 2009– |
| 5 KURUŞ | 17.5 | 1.65 | 2.9 | Cu65-Ni6-Zn29 | Smooth | 2009– |
| 10 KURUŞ | 18.5 | 1.65 | 3.15 | Cu65-Ni6-Zn29 | Smooth | 2009– |
| 25 KURUŞ | 20.5 | 1.65 | 4 | Cu60-Ni14-Zn26 | Milled | 2009– |
| 50 KURUŞ | 23.85 | 1.96 | 6.8 | Cu75-Ni15-Zn10 Cu81-Ni4-Zn15 | Wide Milled | 2009– |
| 1 LIRA | 26.15 | 1.98 | 8.2 | Cu81-Ni4-Zn15 Cu75-Ni15-Zn10 | Inscribed | 2009– |
Choosing Between Banknotes and Coins
As a collector, your first choice is whether you want to collect Turkish lira banknotes, coins, or both. Here’s a quick rundown:
Banknotes
- Wide variety of denominations from 1 to 200 lira and up
- Multiple design series and security features
- Condition is key – ranges from uncirculated to very worn
Coins
- Denominations from 1 kuruş up to 1 lira
- Silver and gold bullion coins also available
- Again, condition is very important for pricing
For many collectors, Turkish lira banknotes offer the most diversity and appeal. But coins have their advantages too. My advice is to consider collecting both!
Famous Figures on Turkish Lira Banknotes
The beautiful Turkish lira banknotes feature portraits of important historical and cultural figures who made significant contributions to Turkish society.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, appears on the front of every banknote denomination.
Some highlights:
- 5 TL – Aydın Sayılı: Pioneer of academic history of science, leading scholar on medieval Islamic science.
- 10 TL – Cahit Arf: Renowned mathematician, known for Arf invariant and Arf rings in algebraic geometry.
- 20 TL – Mimar Kemaleddin: Influential architect who synthesized classical Ottoman and German styles.
- 50 TL – Fatma Aliye: Turkey’s first woman philosopher and novelist.
- 100 TL – Buhurizade Mustafa Efendi: Composer considered founder of Turkish classical music, created seminal religious and secular works.
- 200 TL – Yunus Emre: Revered 13th century poet and mystic, helped spread Islamic spirituality through Turkish verse.
So when you collect Turkish lira banknotes, you’re also collecting the heritage of Turkey’s greatest minds and talents. It makes completing your collection even more culturally rewarding.
Finding Reliable Sellers Online
Now that you’ve decided what type of Turkish lira you want to collect, it’s time to find reputable and reliable dealers. Here are some dealer types and marketplaces I recommend:
One great source I recommend for finding Turkish lira is Gokce Koleksiyon, a well-established currency dealer based in Turkey. Gokce Koleksiyon has been operating since 1990, selling Ottoman and Turkish coins and banknotes through their shop and online auction site.
You can also browse and purchase from their eBay store.
Their wide inventory spans many desirable collectibles like rare Ottoman notes and coins from the last six sultans, early Turkish Republic banknotes, foreign currencies, stocks and bonds, postcards, and more. Gokce Koleksiyon guarantees authenticity and has excellent customer service, making them a trusted choice. Their website is a great place for collectors to browse and directly buy Turkish lira or consign your own banknotes for auction.
When buying from reputable sellers like Gokce Koleksiyon, you can be confident in growing your high-quality Turkish lira collection.
