Obverse

Reverse

20 Para

Ottoman Empire 20 Para, Mehmed V Issue

Ottoman Empire (Modern-day Turkey) · AH 1327 / Year 2 (approx. 1910 AD)

A small circular nickel coin featuring a central Tugra (calligraphic seal) on the obverse and a large numeral 20 on the reverse, surrounded by wreaths and inscriptions in Arabic script.

Country: Ottoman Empire (Modern-day Turkey)
Year: AH 1327 / Year 2 (approx. 1910 AD)
Denomination: 20 Para
Metal: Nickel

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified June 4, 2026More ottoman empire (modern-day turkey) coins →

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Overview

A small circular nickel coin featuring a central Tugra (calligraphic seal) on the obverse and a large numeral 20 on the reverse, surrounded by wreaths and inscriptions in Arabic script.

Historical significance

Issued during the reign of Sultan Mehmed V (1909–1918) following the Young Turk Revolution. This period marked the transition of the Ottoman Empire toward a constitutional monarchy amidst the decline of the imperial era.

Obverse (front)

Features the Tugra (monogram/signature) of Sultan Mehmed V within a dotted circle. To the right is the word 'Reshad', and it is surrounded by a wreath composed of laurel and wheat stalks.

Reverse (back)

Features the denomination '20' in Arabic-Indic numerals. Above is the mint location 'Kostantiniyye' and below is the accession year AH 1327 with the regnal year '2' above the 'Ba' in Para.

Estimated value

$1-$3 in well-worn condition, $10-$25 in uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

The value is primarily determined by the regnal year (written above the date) and the state of preservation. Common years in circulated grades have low value.

Grade assessment

Very Fine (VF) - Show signs of circulation wear and some surface oxidation (green verdigris spots), but legends and central designs remain clear.

Mintage & rarity

Common; millions were minted for general circulation under the AH 1327 series.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits of this specific low-denomination base-metal coin are rare, but verify weight and lack of casting bubbles. Check for consistent strike quality in the Arabic calligraphy.

Notable varieties & errors

Regnal years range from 1 to 9; year 1 is slightly more sought after than year 2.

Similar coins

Often confused with the 5, 10, or 40 Para of the same series. They can be distinguished by size and the central numeral on the reverse (5, 10, or 40).

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish the coin as it can destroy the numismatic value. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation or 'green' corrosion (verdigris) visible on the edges.

Other ottoman empire (modern-day turkey) coins

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Ottoman Empire (Modern-day Turkey) · AH 1327 (1909 AD) / Regnal Year 9 (c. 1917 AD)

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Ottoman Empire (Modern-day Turkey) · Regnal year 1223 (Approx 1808-1839 AD)

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Ottoman Empire 100 Kurush (Lira) - Abdul Hamid II

Ottoman Empire (Modern-day Turkey) · AH 1293 // RY 33 (Approx. 1908 AD)

100 Kurush (1 Gold Lira)

Ottoman Empire Ghazi

Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey and surrounding regions) · Late 17th to early 20th Century (precise date requires clearer reading of mint and regnal year, which is typically found on the reverse side or within the calligraphic design not fully visible)

Likely an Akçe or Para (specific denomination is hard to determine without clearer images of all inscriptions and sides, but these were common low denominations)

Turkish Lira Banknote (Banknot)

Turkey · This is a banknote, not a coin. The year of issue will be printed on the banknote, usually as a series date or actual issue date. Based on the design, specifically the portrait of Atatürk and the "ON TÜRK LİRASI" text, this appears to be a 10 Turkish Lira banknote from the E9 Emission Group, which started circulating in 2009. The text "14 OCAK 1970 TARIH VE 1211 SAYILI KANUNA GORE CIKARILMISTIR" on the banknote refers to the legal basis for issuing banknotes in Turkey, not the actual issue date of this specific series.

10 Turkish Lira (On Türk Lirası)