1 lire 1915

Common. The eBay price history provided shows this note trading consistently in the $40–$50 range for Fine condition specimens, with catalog values placing F-grade examples at approximately $30–$50 (2016 values). These modest market prices and the regular appearance of examples at auction indicate this was a note produced in substantial quantities. While Ottoman currency from 1915 has become scarce in absolute terms due to age and attrition, this particular Pick 69 denomination and issue does not command premium prices, suggesting it was not produced in limited quantity or subject to major recall. The existence of multiple eBay sales over several years further confirms adequate supply in the collector market.

This note was issued during the final decade of the Ottoman Empire, a period of significant financial and political instability following the Young Turk Revolution and the Italo-Turkish War. The Dette Publique Ottomane (Ottoman Public Debt Administration) was an international institution managing the empire's external debt, reflecting Ottoman reliance on foreign financial institutions during this era of decline. The use of the RC (Roman Calendar/Rumi Takvim) dating system—visible in the cataloging as L. 1331—demonstrates the Ottoman Empire's continued use of its fiscal calendar alongside Islamic dating conventions, a practice that would soon be abandoned following the 1923 establishment of the Turkish Republic.

The note features a purely ornamental design characteristic of Ottoman currency, eschewing portraiture in favor of elaborate geometric and floral patterns reflecting Islamic artistic traditions. The obverse showcases a centered cartouche with the denomination and date in Ottoman script, flanked by crescent-and-numeral '1' emblems on both the left and right sides, representing Ottoman sovereignty. The upper center displays the Ottoman crescent and star emblem. Both sides are framed by multiple layers of ornamental borders composed of fine guilloche work, spiraling floral motifs, and repeating geometric star patterns. The color scheme of pink/salmon with blue-grey and green accents creates a sophisticated, period-appropriate aesthetic. The reverse contains a religious blessing within an ornamental cartouche, surrounded by the same intricate geometric background pattern that serves both aesthetic and security functions.

Front Side: The central text in Ottoman Turkish/Arabic script reads 'درك لیرہ عثمانیہ' (One Ottoman Lire). The date appears as 'ر ۱۳۲۱' (Year 1321 RC, corresponding to 1915 Gregorian). The serial number is printed in Latin characters as 'A444310'. The printer credit 'GIESECKE & DEVRIENT' appears in Latin characters. Back Side: The reverse features an Islamic prayer in Arabic script: 'اللهم ارزقنا من فضلك و یسر امورنا و اغننا عن مسالة الاغنیاء و الفقراء و اجعلنا من الشاکرین' (O Allah, grant us from Your bounty and ease our affairs for us and make us independent of asking the rich and the poor, and make us among the grateful). This blessing reflects the religious and cultural values embedded in Ottoman state currency design.

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing by Giesecke & Devrient, a premier European security printer. The fine line work visible throughout the design—particularly evident in the intricate guilloche patterns, geometric borders, and detailed floral elements—is characteristic of intaglio engraving, which creates crisp, detailed impressions ideal for security currency. The multi-color printing (combining black, pink, green, and blue inks) was accomplished through multiple passes of the engraved plates, a technique standard for high-security currency of this period. The ornamental complexity throughout both obverse and reverse served as primary security against counterfeiting.

This specimen represents the standard regular issue of Pick 69 (1 Lire 1915, Dette Publique Ottomane). The serial number prefix 'A' and the serial number sequence 'A444310' are typical of this issue. The date marking corresponds to L. 1331 RC (Rumi Takvim/Roman Calendar), which equals 12 April 1915 in the Gregorian calendar. No significant varieties (such as color variations, overprints, or signature varieties) are noted for this Pick number in standard references. The note represents a straightforward, single-variety regular issue from the Ottoman public debt administration's 1915 currency release.