OTTOMAN, ABDÜLMECID (1255-1277h/AD 1839-1861). Large-sized gold medal for the Reform of the Imperial Mint, 1260h /AD 1844. Obverse: Toughra of Sultan Abdülmecid within wreath. Reverse: Two-line inscription in Ottoman Turkish within floral wreath, cartouches flanked by olive-branches above and below, these engraved ‘5’ and ‘1255’ respectively . Weight: 90.92g. Reference: Erüreten p.181. Faint edge marks, otherwise good very fine and very rare, especially of this weight. Designed by Mihrabcioglu Krikor Efendi, this handsome and impressive medal was issued to commemorate the Monetary Reform of 1260h / AD1844, which introduced the gold lira valued at 100 kurush. It was struck in Istanbul using a new steam-powered press, made in England and installed under the supervision of William Joseph Taylor. The example offered here is struck en medaille and appears to be the heaviest recorded specimen, struck to the value of 1,250 kurush by weight.

Estimate: GBP 12000 - 15000