Collection: Cross the Bosphorus: Old Banknotes that Tell the Story of Türkiye

Explore Turkish Notaphily: A Legacy of Empires and Modernity

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Turkish banknote collecting , where each vintage banknote is a bridge between the Ottoman Empire, the Republic founded by Atatürk, and vibrant contemporary Turkey. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we present our collection of vintage Turkish banknotes , meticulously curated for both seasoned collectors and new buyers passionate about the monetary heritage of this transcontinental country. Vintage Turkish banknotes are more than just paper money: they are relics that chronicle the transition from the Ottoman lira to the Turkish lira in 1923, and the six subsequent redenominations, symbolizing the economic resilience of a nation that bridges Europe and Asia.

The Evolution of Old Turkish Banknotes: From the Ottoman Lira to the New Lira

Before 1923, the Ottoman Empire used the Ottoman lira (kuruş). Following the founding of the Republic on October 29, 1923, the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (established in 1931) introduced the Turkish lira (TRY). The first 1-lira banknotes , issued in 1926 (Series E1), featured Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and nationalist motifs. Between 2005 and 2009, six zeros were removed, creating the new Turkish lira (YTL), which reverted to the Turkish lira in 2009. Series E9 (2009–2022) is the current series, featuring Atatürk on all denominations.

Rare Antique Banknotes from Türkiye: Jewels of Eurasian Notaphily

Our collection highlights rare antique banknotes from Turkey , such as:

• Series E1 (1926-1930) : the 5 lira note of 1926 featuring Atatürk and the Hagia Sophia mosque.

• Series E5 (1951-1970) : the 100 lira note of 1951 with the portrait of İsmet İnönü (the only banknote without Atatürk).

• Hyperinflation (1990-2005) : 1,000,000 lira and 20,000,000 lira banknotes from 2001.

• Printing errors : banknotes with duplicate signatures or without serial numbers.

For lovers of Eurasian banknotes , we include exclusive pieces such as the 50 New Lira (YTL) note from 2005 featuring the poet Nigâr Hanım, and the 200 Lira Series E9 note from 2009 featuring the writer Yunus Emre and Mevlana's tomb in Konya. These vintage banknotes incorporate advanced security features : a metallic thread, a watermark of Atatürk, optically variable ink, and microtext. The rarity of the hyperinflationary banknotes (20 million lira) and the Series E1 makes them highly sought after at international auctions, valued for their connection to Atatürk's reforms and Ottoman history.

Preservation and Authenticity of Old Banknotes: Our Promise

Conservation is paramount in our selection of vintage Turkish banknotes . Each piece is graded on standard scales such as VF (Very Fine) or UNC (Uncirculated), preserving details like watermarks featuring Atatürk, fluorescent fibers, and the signatures of the Central Bank Governor. We recommend that collectors of rare vintage banknotes verify their integrity under UV light, where elements such as the map of Turkey will glow in shades of yellow or green. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , all our pieces come from verified sources, avoiding common counterfeits found in replicas of the E1 Series.

Why Collect Old Turkish Banknotes

From the 5 lira note of 1926 featuring Atatürk and Hagia Sophia, to the 20,000,000 lira note of 2001 featuring the poet Yunus Emre, this collection offers a window into Turkish history. Each vintage banknote reflects key moments, such as the founding of the Republic in 1923 or the redenomination in 2005. For new collectors , it's an entry point into collecting with historical value; for experienced collectors , it's a chance to acquire complete series that reflect hyperinflation and enrich any collection.

Trust Iberoamericana Banknotes

At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we guarantee the authenticity of every vintage banknote with detailed certificates and expertise in Ibero-American and Eurasian numismatics. We offer pieces in optimal condition for your collectible collection and secure, discreet international shipping to any destination. Trust our authority to elevate your passion for vintage Turkish banknotes to new heights.