Republic 25 Kurush

This 25 Kurush coin was one of the first in Turkey to be minted entirely from nickel, a shift that helped cut costs amid postwar inflation.

That change came during the late 1950s, as the Istanbul Mint churned out these pieces for daily use. The obverse bore a simple profile of Atatürk, while the reverse showed the Turkish coat of arms—nothing flashy, just functional design for a growing economy. We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that era are spotty.

Handling these coins over the years, I've seen how they tarnish quickly in humid climates, turning a dull gray. They're common finds in attic collections, often mistaken for something rarer. As for myths, no, they weren't used in any secret exchanges— just ordinary pocket change.

Plenty still circulate in Turkey, a reminder that not every coin needs to be a legend.