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Turkey
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Curiosities about the currency
The Turkish lira is the official currency of Turkey. Its symbol is ₺ and its ISO code is also used, which is TRY. It came into effect in 1844 and replaced the kuruş. Until 2009, the new Turkish lira existed to avoid inflation. It is issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.
The Turkish banknotes in circulation are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 lira. They are all made of paper and feature Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. On the reverse, monuments and places of interest in the country are displayed.
The current Turkish lira coins are 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 kurus, and one lira. Between 1984 and 2002, coins of 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 10000, 25000, 50000, 100000, and 250000 TRY were minted. Due to the currency inflation, they stopped being produced.
Throughout its history, the Turkish lira has undergone various devaluations. Proof of this is that the Guinness World Records classified it as the least valued currency in the world on two occasions: between 1995 and 1996, and from 1999 to 2004.
Most of Turkey's currency is made of brass. Since the currency suffers from continuous devaluations, this alloy of copper and zinc was chosen for being one of the cheapest, yet also more durable. The most commonly used are made of copper to prevent wear.
What do the banknotes/coins look like?
Front part
*The banknotes and coins correspond to the newest issued series and are for reference. Colours may vary and there may be more designs than those shown.
