Turkey AH1171(86) piastre
This specimen was lot 30682 in Heritage sale 3042 (Long Beach, September 2015), where it sold for $1,997.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "Mustafa III Piastre AH 1171//86 (1769) MS65 NGC. An outstanding example of this earlier billion issue, with fresh, expansive fields that are coated in a handsome veil of olive-tinged patination. The design inscriptions are equally pleasing, possessing all-over boldness as well as crisp outer lines. An altogether original offering, most-desirable in this rare quality." We disagree that this is a coin of 1769 as AH 1186 = 1772 AD. This type is listed for AH 1180 thru AH 1187. Turkish issues before the reform of 1839 are a mess of constantly changing denominations as the government attempted to debase its way out of perpetual bankruptcy.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: billon, 17.8-19.7 g.
Catalog reference: Dav-1811, KM 321.2.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed. London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Uslu, Kaan, Beyazit, M. Fatih, and Kara, Tuncay, Ottoman Empire Coins 1687-1839 (AH 1099-1255), Istanbul: Anka Matbaacilik, 2010.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World Coin Auction 3042, featuring the Read and Bob Bennett Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2015.
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