Turkey (Ottoman) 5, 10, 20, and 40 Para Muhammad V 1909 to 1915

These nickel coins from the old Ottoman Empire can be worth almost nothing in poor condition, or rise to hundreds of dollars for better dates in fully uncirculated condition.

To understand these coins, you must, at a minimum, understand how to read eastern Arabic numerals. These are shown in our image below. The denomination, 5, 10, 20, or 40 para, appears on one side, with the date (1327 on the Hijri calendar, convert to Western date at the IslamicFinder web site). This date is the year Muhammad V started his reign. In addition to the primary date on the coin, the regnal year is included on the side opposite the denomination. This is a single Arabic numeral which is added to the 1327 base year.

Here are some typical catalog values.

5 PARA
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $2
well preserved: $4
fully uncirculated: $50
5 para with regnal year 2 are worth slightly more
5 para with regnal year 7 are rare and catalog at $20 in average circulated condition

10 PARA
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $1
well preserved: $3
fully uncirculated: $20
10 para with regnal years 2 and 8 are worth slightly more

20 PARA
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $2
well preserved: $5
fully uncirculated: $60
20 para with no regnal year catalog for $15 in average circulated condition
20 para with regnal year 7 are very rare and catalog at $800 in average circulated condition

40 PARA
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $2
well preserved: $5
fully uncirculated: $60
40 para with regnal year 9 are rare and catalog at $10 in average circulated condition

Remember to check out the 'Important Terminology' page on the left in order to properly interpret these catalog values.
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