2020-05-30 Sat

Murad V was the 33rd Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. He reigned as the emperor for a short period of 93 days from 30 May to 31 August 1876.

He was born on 21st September 1840 in Istanbul. As the son of Sultan Abdul mejid, he was placed in power after his uncle Sultan Abdul Aziz was deposed. He was highly influenced by the French culture.

The new sultan was determined to introduce constitutional reforms, but, under the impact of Abdulaziz’ suicide and the murder of some of his key ministers, Murad suffered mental collapse. After declaration by Turkish and foreign doctors that his illness was incurable, Murad was deposed by the same men who had brought him to the throne.

During the reign, he issued gold and silver coins in the denomination of Kurush. These coins depicted the Persian inscription in Tughra calligraphy on its obverse face. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin shows value, mint name, and date.

The above shown 100 Piastres has belonged to his reign. This coin was issued in 1293 AH from Misr (Egypt) mint. The obverse of a coin depicted the inscription ‘Zarb Fi Misr 1293’. While, legend ‘Murad Han bin Abdulmecid muzaffer daima’ (Murad Khan Son of Abdulmecid is forever victorious) illustrates in Toughra on the reverse of coin.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions