CNG 96, Lot: 1390. Estimate $1500. Sold for $1500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

TURKEY, Ottoman. Mehmed V Rashad. AH 1327-1336 / AD 1909-1918. AV 500 Kurush - Altin (35mm, 35.95 g, 12h). Bullion copy. Qustantiniya (Constantinople) mint. Dated AH 1327; RY 4 (27 April AD 1912-26 April AD 1913). Large tughra; RY date below; to right, “reshad” in Arabic; all within wreath with crossed bows and bow-cases below; value in exergue / Mint formula and AH date in six lines within wreath; c/ms: anchor and 22 in Eastern Arabic numerals; all within incuse rectangle with convex sides and ya in Arabic within incuse lozenge. Cf. Ölçer, Mehmed 35 004 (for type); Sultan –; cf. Pere 1019 (same). Good VF.

The anchor and 22 in Eastern Arabic numerals mark is meant to indicate the fineness as being 22 carats; the other to indicate the year of manufacture. Both of these marks were necessary for this piece to circulate legally as bullion in the Middle East.