Half, Full and Gremse Gold Coins Explained

Savers meet many options when putting money into gold. Those who prefer to hold physical gold show great interest in the coins produced by the Turkish State Mint. Besides the familiar quarter coin, there are half, full and gremse coins for larger purchases. "What is a gremse coin?" is a question heard often at jewellers, especially from people who want to save a substantial amount.

All these coins have the same purity, but they differ in weight and physical size. Standard weights and purity make buying and selling transparent.

The half coin: features and uses

As its name suggests, the half coin (yarım altın) weighs twice as much as a quarter coin. A half coin weighs about 3.50 grams and is made of 22 karat gold, 916 in fineness. About 22 millimetres across, it is in strong demand both as an investment and as a gift on special occasions.

The front shows a portrait of Atatürk and the back the year of minting. For savers, its advantage is that it keeps savings tidier. Buying one half coin instead of two quarter coins is more practical to store and carry.

Half coins are sold with or without a loop. The loop is not the same karat as the coin, so it is not counted when you sell. If you are buying to save, choose coins without a loop.

The full coin: features and weight

The full coin (tam altın) is also known as the ziynet coin. It weighs four times as much as a quarter coin and twice as much as a half. A standard full coin weighs about 7.016 grams. About 30 millimetres across, it is made in 22 karat, that is 916 fine. Because of its size, it is a popular gift from close relatives, especially at weddings.

The full coin and the Ata Lira are often confused because of their similar names. As we explain in our guide Republic gold, Ata Lira and Reşat coins compared, the Ata Lira is slightly heavier and thicker than the full coin. If you are choosing between them, take into account the price difference that comes from the difference in weight.

Holding full coins lets you keep larger sums in fewer pieces. To see current prices, check our market screen.

What is a gremse coin?

The gremse is one of the largest coins in the range. It weighs 2.5 times a full coin and 10 times a quarter coin, which is why it is also called the "two and a half" (iki buçukluk). It weighs about 17.5 grams and is about 40 millimetres across.

Its purity is also 22 karat (916 fine). It suits savers who want to turn a substantial amount of cash into physical gold.

Holding one gremse instead of ten quarter coins reduces clutter, and selling a single piece saves time. It is also chosen as a prestigious gift at large weddings.

The five-coin (beşli)

The largest member of the ziynet group is the five-coin (beşli altın). As the name suggests, it equals five full coins, or twenty quarter coins. It weighs about 35.08 grams and, like the other coins, is 22 karat.

The five-coin is used mostly for large savings and in showpiece jewellery sets. Not every jeweller always has it in stock, so it is worth asking before you go.

Turkish gold coins compared

Which coin suits investment best?

When choosing between half, full and gremse coins, your budget and saving strategy are the best guides. If you save regularly from part of your monthly income, the half coin is an achievable target. For larger lump sums, buying full coins lets you put your savings to work quickly.

If you have a substantial amount of cash and want to hold it physically, the gremse is a sensible step. The craftsmanship cost of coins is not as high as with jewellery. To see what different amounts buy, use our tools section.

Buying coins safely

The official producer of Turkish gold coins is the Turkish State Mint. Whether half, full or gremse, the portrait, edge patterns, letters and numbers on the coin should be sharp and clean.

For a safe purchase, have the weight confirmed on a precision scale and buy from a trustworthy jeweller. In our store you can examine coins up close and ask your questions in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a gremse coin lose value when sold?

The gremse is a coin with a low craftsmanship cost. When sold, it trades at the 22 karat coin price like the quarter or full coin, with no extra loss of value.

Should I buy a half coin with or without a loop?

If you are saving, buy it without a loop. The loop is not the same karat as the coin and is not counted when you sell. If it is a gift, coins with a loop are preferred so a ribbon can be attached.

Is the gremse the same as the "two and a half" coin?

Yes. The coin popularly called the "two and a half" (iki buçukluk) is known in the trade as the gremse. It gets its nickname because it weighs two and a half times a full coin.

Do half and full coins differ in purity?

No. All Turkish gold coins, the quarter, half, full, gremse and Ata Lira, are made in 22 karat, that is 916 fine. They differ only in weight and size.