In Turkish culture, gold coins are a classic gift for weddings, engagements and festivities – and a popular investment worldwide. This overview introduces you to the common Turkish types and the best-known international investment coins.
The common coin types
Cumhuriyet Altını
The best-known Turkish gold coin: a Republic minting with Atatürk’s portrait, produced exclusively by the State Mint (Darphane). Available as Ziynet (jewellery) and Sikke (investment) in all sizes from Çeyrek to Beşli.
Ata Altını (Ata Lira)
The Sikke (investment) form of the Cumhuriyet coin, popularly called “Ata Para”. Also bears Atatürk’s portrait, without a loop – preferred for pure investment.
Reşat Altını
Ottoman gold coin bearing the tughra of Sultan Mehmed V Reşad. Same gold value as the Cumhuriyet but far rarer, so usually traded at a premium – check authenticity/certificate when buying.
Hamit Altını
Ottoman minting from the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II. Same weight and fineness as the Reşat; rare and mostly traded as an antique collector’s/investment coin.
Aziz Altını
Older Ottoman gold coin from the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz. Rare, mainly of collector and investment value.
Ziynet Altını
The umbrella term for the jewellery form in all sizes – usually with a loop for wearing on a chain or dress. The classic wedding and festive gift; slightly lighter than the Sikke form.
Gram Altın
Modern round gram-gold pieces in 24 carat – today the most-traded investment form. With no jewellery work, it holds its value well on resale and divides easily; popular as a flexible gift.
More rarely you'll come across other Ottoman mintings such as Vahdettin, Mecidiye or Mahmut gold coins – mostly of collector value.
Ziynet or Sikke?
Regardless of type, there are two versions: Ziynet coins are jewellery coins, often with a loop for wearing; Sikke or Meskük coins are pure investment coins without a loop. Depending on the minting, weight and finish can vary slightly.
Meaning & occasion
At Söz, Nişan and Düğün, gold coins are traditionally given as gifts – as congratulations and as a small financial head start for the couple.
International investment coins
Internationally, standardised investment (bullion) coins are the norm – usually holding 1 ounce (oz) of fine gold and trading close to the daily rate. What counts is the pure gold content, not the gross weight.
Krügerrand
The first modern investment coin (South Africa, since 1967) and still the best-known. 22 carat with a copper content (reddish tone), gross weight approx. 33.9 g for 1 oz of fine gold.
Maple Leaf
Canada, since 1979. Made of near-pure gold (999.9) – pioneer of high-fineness bullion coins; gross equals the fine weight.
American Eagle
USA, since 1986. 22 carat with silver and copper content, gross weight approx. 33.9 g; “Lady Liberty” and eagle-pair design.
Wiener Philharmoniker
Austria, since 1989. 999.9 fine, with a euro face value; especially popular and liquid in Europe.
Britannia
United Kingdom. 22 carat until 2012, 999.9 since 2013; the reigning monarch on the reverse.
Australian Kangaroo
Australia (Perth Mint). 999.9 fine, with an annually changing kangaroo design.
China Panda
China. 999 fine, denominated in grams since 2016 (e.g. 30 g); annually changing panda design.
Classic historical gold coins
| Coin | Fineness | Gross | Fine gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sovereign (GB) | 916,7 | 7,98 g | 7,32 g |
| 20 Franc „Vreneli" (CH) | 900 | 6,45 g | 5,81 g |
| 20 Franc „Napoléon" (FR) | 900 | 6,45 g | 5,81 g |
| 1 Dukat (AT) | 986 | 3,49 g | 3,44 g |
| 20 Mark (DE, Kaiserreich) | 900 | 7,96 g | 7,17 g |
Classic historical coins are also valued by their fine-gold content. Gross is the total weight, fine gold the pure gold contained within.