Introduction
This article briefly introduces the Ottoman silver coin known as the Acke. We will cover the history of Ottoman silver, the Akce itself, and its eventual debasement.
Ottoman Silver History
Ottoman silver coins, also known as akce, were essential to the Ottoman Empire’s monetary system. They were first introduced in the late 15th century and were widely circulated throughout the empire until the late 19th century. These coins were often used in everyday transactions throughout the Ottoman Empire and were widely known for their high purity of silver, which for many made them an ideal medium of exchange.
Silver rapidly gained popularity as their value grew. Silver coins minted throughout the Ottoman Empire were embellished with intricate designs and calligraphy that reflected the cultural and religious background of the Empire. Despite fluctuations in their purity levels, Ottoman silver coins remained widely accepted until the Empire’s decline in the late 19th century.
Ottoman Akce
The akce was first introduced to the Ottoman currency system in the late 15th century and remained in circulation until the downfall of the empire. During this period, the Ottoman government consistently minted and distributed these silver coins throughout the empire, making them indispensable as a unit of account.
Throughout this period, citizens of the Ottoman Empire used akce to purchase a variety of essential goods and services. For example, one could purchase food, clothing, and household items with these coins. They were also used for trade and international transactions, further solidifying their importance in the Ottoman economy.
Akce Debasement
The debasement of the Ottoman Akce silver coin refers to the process through which the purity of the coin’s silver content was gradually reduced. This was done in order to increase the number of coins that could be minted from a given quantity of silver. This was a common practice among many empires that lacked a sufficient supply of precious metals. As the debasement progressed, the purity of the Ottoman Akce gradually decreased, and the coins became less valuable in terms of silver content. This made it less desired as a standard monetary unit in day to day transactions.
Despite this, the coins continued to circulate widely throughout the Ottoman Empire, as the government maintained their face value by setting prices for goods and services accordingly. The debasement of the Ottoman Akce is believed to be a contributing factor in the eventual decline of the Ottoman Empire.
Ottoman Silver Coinage
Ottoman silver coins have numismatic value due to their historical and cultural significance. These coins offer a window into the past, allowing us to understand one of history’s largest and most influential empires. The intricate designs, calligraphy, and visual symbolism of Ottoman coins reflect the Empire’s rich cultural legacy and artistic traditions. The uniqueness of these coins make them a sought-after item among collectors and enthusiasts. Below is an example of an Akce and a link to all of the Ottoman silver coins we currently have in stock.
Ottoman Empire Silver Coins
These are all of the Certified and Non-Certified Ottoman Silver Coins we currently have for sale. If you would like to read a brief history of the Ottoman Empire, we recommend reading our blog post: “Ottoman Empire: The House Of Osman.”
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