In many families, Turkish gold coins are simply part of life. They are pinned on at weddings, given as gifts when a baby is born and often kept for years. If you didn't grow up with this tradition, though, terms like Çeyrek, Yarım, Tam or Ata Lira can quickly get confusing. And even people who know the coins well sometimes wonder what exactly the difference between Ziynet and Ata is. In this article we explain the most important coins clearly and without jargon.
22 carat: the traditional gold standard
All classic Turkish gold coins are 22 carat. That corresponds to a fineness of 916, meaning 916 out of 1000 parts are pure gold. By comparison, much of the jewellery sold in Germany is 585 or 750. Turkish coins therefore contain considerably more gold, which also gives them their typical rich colour.
Since the fineness is the same for all of these coins, their gold value depends mainly on their weight. That is why the size names matter so much.
The sizes: Çeyrek, Yarım, Tam and more
The names of the coins describe their size relative to the whole coin:
- Çeyrek means "quarter". This small coin is given as a gift particularly often.
- Yarım means "half", so it is the half coin.
- Tam means "whole", so it is the full coin.
- Gremse, also called İkibuçuk, is two and a half times the size.
- Beşli is five times the size.
For Ziynet coins, this corresponds to the following weights:
- Çeyrek: 1.75 g
- Yarım: 3.5 g
- Tam: 7.0 g
- Gremse: 17.5 g
- Beşli: 35.0 g
Ziynet or Ata: what is the difference?
Both types bear the portrait of Atatürk and are 22 carat. The difference lies mainly in their weight and what they are used for.
Ziynet coins are the classic jewellery and gift coins. "Ziynet" roughly means ornament. Traditionally they are pinned on at weddings or presented on special occasions.
The Ata Lira, also known as Cumhuriyet Altını or "gold of the Republic", is the slightly heavier version. A whole Ata Lira weighs 7.2 g, whereas a whole Ziynet coin weighs 7.0 g. The Ata Lira is often bought as an investment because of its slightly higher weight.
So when you buy or sell coins, it is worth checking carefully which type you have. They look similar, but there are small differences in weight.
Reşat: the coin with Ottoman design
Alongside the coins bearing Atatürk's portrait, there are Reşat coins. They carry an Ottoman design and are valued for their distinctive look. They are 22 carat as well. Reşat coins are slightly heavier:
- Çeyrek: 1.8 g
- Yarım: 3.6 g
- Tam: 7.2 g
- İkibuçuk: 18.0 g
- Beşli: 36.0 g
Reşat coins are popular as wedding gifts or worn as jewellery, for example on a chain.
Typical occasions for gold coins
In Turkish tradition, gold coins are the classic gift for many family celebrations:
- Weddings (Düğün) and engagements: guests pin coins onto the bride and groom, often a Çeyrek or Yarım.
- Births: a coin is often given when a baby is born, as a lucky charm and a small nest egg.
- Circumcision (Sünnet): here too, a gold coin is a popular gift for the boy.
The idea behind it: gold keeps its value. A coin given as a present is not just a gesture, but also something put aside for later. On request, we provide coins in a gift case for weddings or births.
Buying and selling at the daily rate
We buy and sell Turkish gold coins in all common sizes. Prices are based on the current daily gold price. Just get in touch or drop by without an appointment.
When we buy coins, we check their weight, fineness and minting right there in the shop. That way you can be sure of their authenticity and value. Payment is made immediately. Please bring a valid form of ID, as this is required by law when we buy gold. Coins we sell are verified as genuine.
Whether you are looking for a single Çeyrek for a wedding, would like to sell coins from the family or simply have a question, you are welcome to visit us at Wengengasse 33 in Ulm. We advise you in German and Turkish, at your own pace and with no obligation. We are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.
Mein Juwelier Ulm
Wengengasse 33 · 89073 Ulm
