Ottoman Empire – Abdul Hamid II (AH 1293 / AD 1876–1909)
Silver 2 Qurush | Constantinople (Qustantiniya) Mint
⸻
Coin Details
•Empire: Ottoman Empire
•Sultan: Abdul Hamid II
•Mint: Qustantiniya (Constantinople / Istanbul)
•Date: AH 1293 / Year 33 of reign
•Denomination: 2 Qurush
•Material: Silver
•Weight: 2.41 g
•Diameter: 18 mm
•Die Axis: 12h
•Condition: Good Very Fine
•Reference: KM#719
⸻
Obverse
Ottoman Tughra of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the imperial calligraphic monogram representing the Sultan’s authority and sovereignty.
Above appears the inscription “Year 33”, indicating the regnal year of issue. The tughra is one of the most distinctive symbols of Ottoman statecraft, blending political power with refined Islamic calligraphy.
⸻
Reverse
Arabic inscription reading:
“Struck in Constantinople, year 1293.”
This confirms the official imperial mint of Qustantiniya, the heart of the Ottoman Empire and one of the most important cities of the late 19th century.
⸻
Historical Significance
Abdul Hamid II ruled during a period of profound transformation and tension within the Ottoman Empire. His reign witnessed attempts at modernization, major political reforms, and increasing pressure from European powers. Despite these challenges, Ottoman coinage of this era maintained strong traditional symbolism, emphasizing continuity, legitimacy, and imperial identity.
Silver qurush coins such as this one were widely used in daily commerce across the empire, circulating from the Balkans to Anatolia and the Middle East.
⸻
Why This Coin Matters
•Authentic silver coin from the late Ottoman Empire
•Issued under Abdul Hamid II, one of the most significant Ottoman sultans
•Elegant tughra design with strong historical identity
•Well-preserved example in Good Very Fine condition
•A tangible artifact from the final decades of Ottoman imperial rule
⸻
Included with This Coin
✔️ Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance
✔️ Protective capsule or archival-quality holder
✔️ Handcrafted envelope made from traditional Amalfi paper, produced using pure cotton fibers following medieval techniques
✔️ Certificate envelope sealed with wax, bearing the official Numisnation logo