How Many Grams Is a Quarter Gold Coin?

In Turkey, the first thing most people think of when gold is mentioned is the quarter gold coin (çeyrek altın), the cornerstone of "under the pillow" savings. It plays a big part both in the gift-giving tradition and in investment. As well as being the first choice at weddings, births and many other special occasions, its standard weight and wide recognition make it a reliable way to save. Many people who decide to invest in gold or buy it as a gift first want a clear answer to one question: how many grams is a quarter coin?

The standards of the quarter coin are set by the Turkish State Mint (Darphane). These standards make it possible to buy and sell with confidence. A correct and standard weight is the most basic guarantee that protects the buyer.

The weight of a quarter coin under Mint standards

A standard quarter coin struck by the Turkish State Mint weighs about 1.75 grams. This weight is a fixed rule in the production of the coin, and the same standard applies at every jeweller. The precision scales used when gold is weighed measure it exactly.

The diameter of the quarter coin is about 18 millimetres. Whichever jeweller you buy a quarter coin from, you should expect it to weigh about 1.75 grams. If you want to follow price changes as you buy and sell, you can check current prices on our live market page.

Purity and karat of the quarter coin

The quarter coin is made by mixing pure gold with other metals in set proportions. It is struck in 22 karat gold as standard. In fineness, the purity of a quarter coin is 916, which means it contains 916 parts of pure gold per thousand.

The remainder consists of copper and similar alloys added to make the gold more durable. Pure gold (24 karat) is very soft and bends easily. Because the quarter coin is a physical store of value that passes from hand to hand, it has to be made in 22 karat so that it keeps its shape. If you are curious about the details of different karats, see our guide the difference between 14, 18, 22 and 24 karat gold.

Quarter coins with and without a loop

Jewellers usually offer the quarter coin in two forms: with a loop and without. A loop is added afterwards to coins that will be worn as jewellery or pinned to clothing with a ribbon, a common custom at Turkish weddings. The loop is a separate piece from the coin and is attached in the workshop.

The loop is not the same karat as the coin itself. So if you put a quarter coin on a precision scale together with its loop, it will weigh more than 1.75 grams. When the coin is sold, however, the loop is removed and only the 22 karat coin is included in the calculation. If you are buying for investment, it makes more sense to choose coins without a loop.

What to check when buying a quarter coin

One of the most important things to check when buying a quarter coin is that the minting details are sharp and clean. The front shows a portrait of Atatürk and the back shows the year of minting. The year determines whether the coin is called "old-dated" or "new-dated".

Make sure there is no damage, denting or unusual colour on the coin. Buying from a trustworthy jeweller prevents problems. You can visit our store in Ümraniye, Istanbul to examine the coins up close, or reach us through our contact page with any questions. For other jewellery options, have a look at our catalogue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Exactly how much pure gold does a quarter coin contain?

The total weight of a quarter coin is about 1.75 grams. Since it is 22 karat (916 fineness), about 1.60 grams of that weight is pure gold.

Do old-dated and new-dated quarter coins weigh differently?

No. Old-dated and new-dated quarter coins have the same weight and purity. Whatever the year of minting, every quarter coin weighs about 1.75 grams and is 22 karat.

Does the loop on a quarter coin have any value?

The loop added to a quarter coin is not the same karat as the coin. That is why the loop is removed when the coin is sold, and only the quarter coin itself is valued.