On the tenth anniversary of the events of July 15, 2016, the Turkish government announced the minting of a new 5 Lira coin to be distributed across the country as a symbol of 'Democracy and National Unity Day.'
Commemorating the Tenth Anniversary with New Coinage Today, July 15, 2026, Turkey commemorates the tenth anniversary of the resistance against the failed coup attempt of 2016. To mark this occasion, the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance, through the State Mint (Darphane), has minted and released special 5 Lira coins [1]. This initiative is part of extensive national programs to honor the memory of the victims and celebrate the popular resistance against the attempt to overthrow the government a decade ago.
These new coins, which entered domestic markets and the national banking system today, feature a unique design incorporating symbols of national resistance and the Turkish flag. According to reports published by local media, these coins hold numismatic value for citizens and collectors in addition to their monetary value [1][2].
Technical Features and Design of the 5 Lira Coin The 5 Lira coin minted for the tenth anniversary is similar in dimensions and metallic composition to the standard 5 Lira coins introduced in recent years, but it features special motifs on the reverse side. At the center of this coin, the 'July 15' symbol and the phrase '10th Anniversary' (10. Yıl) are engraved [1].
The Turkish State Mint announced that these coins were produced in limited quantities to maintain their commemorative status. The use of commemorative coins for national occasions has a long history in Turkey; similar coins were previously produced for the centenary of the Republic of Turkey [3]. This time, however, the primary focus is on concepts such as 'National Will' and the 'Victory of Democracy.'
Symbolic Importance of July 15 in Contemporary Turkish History The events of July 15, 2016, are considered a turning point in modern Turkish political history. Now, ten years later, the Turkish government is striving to keep the memory of that night alive using various cultural and economic tools. The release of this 5 Lira coin is just one of dozens of programs planned for today.
Economic experts believe that the release of commemorative coinage in high circulation, beyond its spiritual aspects, can help promote national symbols in people's daily interactions [2]. The Turkish Mint emphasized that these coins are legal tender in all shops and shopping centers, although it is expected that many people will keep them as souvenirs.
Access and Distribution The distribution of these coins began this morning at branches of state banks and post offices (PTT). Citizens can visit these centers to exchange their regular coins for these commemorative versions [1]. Additionally, silver and gold-plated versions of this coin are available for professional collectors on the official Mint website, which has met with widespread interest [3].
By the end of this week, millions of these 5 Lira coins are expected to be distributed across all Turkish provinces, ensuring the tenth anniversary of this historic event has a symbol in every Turkish citizen's wallet.
The commemorative 5 Lira coin minted by the Turkish State Mint for the 10th anniversary of July 15.
linkSources
- 15 Temmuz'un 10. yılına özel 5 lira basıldı — Canlı Gaste (2026-07-15)
- Darphane'den 15 Temmuz hatıra parası açıklaması — Anadolu Ajansı (2026-07-14)
- Turkey's commemorative coins history and July 15 — Turkish State Mint (2024-01-01)



