1 kurus 1877

Common. This denomination in VF condition has established market pricing around $12 (based on 2016 catalog values for F grade) with documented eBay sales in the $15-20 range, indicating robust collector demand but steady supply. The Banque Impériale Ottomane issued these notes in substantial quantities during the 1876-1878 period, and surviving examples remain readily available in the market.

Issued during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid II (1876-1909), this note represents the Banque Impériale Ottomane's currency operations at a critical juncture in Ottoman history—the period following the Constitutional Crisis of 1876. The prominent display of Ottoman imperial symbols (crescent moon, star, and the Toughra of the Sultan) on both sides reinforces the state's authority, while the French inscriptions ('BANQUE I.O.' and 'IMREG. PARLA') reflect the European financial influence and the Ottoman Empire's integration into international banking systems of the era.

The obverse features a centered oval medallion containing the Toughra (ornamental calligraphic monogram) of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the primary security and identification element of Ottoman currency. This is surrounded by a frame of elaborate geometric and floral interlocking patterns characteristic of Ottoman decorative arts, with Arabic/Ottoman Turkish script integration throughout the border design. The reverse presents a more austere design with the Seal of Galip (circular emblem with Ottoman calligraphy) positioned at top center, beneath which sits a decorative scroll or banner motif flanked symmetrically by crescent moon symbols and Ottoman star emblems—traditional imperial heraldic elements. The serial number is prominently centered within the banner design. The perforated edges noted in the catalog references are visible as the scalloped/cut edge pattern on the right margin.

FRONT SIDE: 'دولت عثمانيه' (Devlet-i Osmâniye) = 'Ottoman State' — The foundational inscription identifying the issuing authority. REVERSE SIDE: 'BANQUE I.O.' = 'Banque Impériale Ottomane' (Imperial Ottoman Bank) — The issuer's name in French; 'IMREG. PARLA' = 'Imperial Parliament' — French inscription referencing the constitutional framework; '10·00061' = Serial number in Arabic numerals. The circular seal at top reverse contains Ottoman calligraphic inscription (Seal of Galip), traditional Ottoman authentication marking.

Intaglio or engraved printing, evidenced by the fine line detail visible in the intricate border patterns, calligraphic elements, and the precise geometric designs throughout. The Banque Impériale Ottomane employed European security printers for high-value denominations; however, this 1 Kuruş denomination was likely produced by the Bank's own facilities or contracted European printers specializing in Ottoman currency. The consistent brown and black ink application and the quality of the calligraphic reproduction suggest professional engraving techniques standard for the period.

Pick catalog designation P-46b, with PMG records indicating a P-46c variant exists. The observed note matches the standard P-46b characteristics: AH 1293-1295 dating (1877), gray to gray-blue coloration as described (appearing tan-beige in aged condition), Toughra of Abdul Hamid II on obverse, Seal of Galip on reverse, and perforated edges. The round AH 1293 handstamp and box handstamp noted in community references are consistent with standard Ottoman Bank validation marks of this issue. Serial number prefix '10·00061' is consistent with standard numbering sequence for this denomination.