Ottoman Empire 2 Kurush / 2 Piastres (Mehmed V)
Country of Origin: Ottoman Empire (Modern-day Turkey)
Year of Issue: 1909 (AH 1327 / Accession Year 1)
Denomination: 2 Kurush (2 Piastres)
Composition: Silver (.830 fineness)
Brief Description
A small silver coin featuring a calligraphic Tughra on one side and Arabic inscriptions on the other, encircled by stars.
Historical Significance
Issued during the reign of Sultan Mehmed V Reshad following the Young Turk Revolution. This period marked the transition of the Ottoman Empire toward a constitutional monarchy.
Estimated Value
$5-$10 in circulated condition, $25-$50 in Mint State / Uncirculated condition.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges to avoid skin oils reacting with silver. Store in a PVC-free flip or archival-safe container. Never clean or polish silver coins as it destroys numismatic value.
Mint Mark
Kostantiniyye (Constantinople / Istanbul)
Mintage & Rarity
Relatively common; mintage for this specific year (Regnal Year 1) was several million. Scarce in high uncirculated grades.
Weight & Diameter
2.41 grams / 18 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine. The inscriptions and stars are visible but show moderate even wear and some surface darkening.
Obverse (Front)
Features the Tughra (calligraphic monogram) of Sultan Mehmed V surrounded by stars and a beaded border.
Reverse (Back)
Contains the Arabic inscription 'azza nasruhu' (may he be victorious), the mint location 'Kostantiniyye', and the accession year '1327' (Islamic calendar).
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/grade is the primary factor. High-grade specimens with original luster are much more valuable. Regnal year (the year after the accession date) also affects rarity.
Similar Coins
The 1 Kurush and 5 Kurush coins of the same era look identical in design but are significantly smaller or larger.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for correct silver weight (2.4g). Look for sharp, well-defined Arabic calligraphy; cast counterfeits will appear 'mushy' or pitted.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Most variations are based on the regnal year digits (found above the accession date).
Created At: 2026-06-04T19:15:08.362854