22K Yellow Gold Ottoman Tughra Reşat Style Coin Pendant
Religious/Numismatic Style Pendant with Tapered Bail · Yellow Gold. The intense saturation suggests a high-karat copper-silver alloy typically found in high-karat Turkish gold smithing.
Purity: 22K (916 Fineness). This purity indicates 91.6% pure gold content, a traditional standard for Middle Eastern and Turkish jewelry jewelry, providing a rich yellow color compared to 14K or 18K.
Type
Religious/Numismatic Style Pendant with Tapered Bail
Purity
22K (916 Fineness). This purity indicates 91.6% pure gold content, a traditional standard for Middle Eastern and Turkish jewelry jewelry, providing a rich yellow color compared to 14K or 18K.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. The intense saturation suggests a high-karat copper-silver alloy typically found in high-karat Turkish gold smithing.
Weight
Estimated 3.5 to 7.0 grams. The pendant is likely modeled after the 1/2 or full Reşat gold coin, though modern jewelry versions are often lighter than the original 7.2g currency strikes.
Description
This striking pendant features the Imperial Tughra—the calligraphic monogram of an Ottoman Sultan—framed by a wreath of laurel and wheat, surmounted by seven symbolic stars. It evokes the prestige of the Ottoman 'Reşat' gold coins, which remain a preferred store of wealth and a traditional gift at Turkish weddings. The vibrant yellow of the 22K gold provides a regal aesthetic, contrasts sharply against the modern Figaro chain, and represents both financial security and cultural heritage.
Key Features
Intricate raised Tughra calligraphy, symbolic seven-star arc, and a wide-profile tapered bail that accommodates thicker chains.
Color & Finish
Vivid deep yellow with a satin-matte background in the coin field and high-polished highlights on the Tughra calligraphy and border stars. The bail shows a soft, brushed finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps on the obverse face. Hallmarks for 22K (or '916') and the manufacturer logo are typically located on the reverse side of the coin or the interior loop of the bail.
Dimensions Estimate
The coin diameter is approximately 18mm to 22mm (size of a US Nickel or Quarter), with a total vertical length including the bail of approximately 30mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item relies on relief casting and decorative calligraphy for aesthetic value.
Clasp & Closure
V-shaped tapered bail designed to slide over a chain. The bail appears to be solid and closed with a circular jump ring connecting to the coin rim.
Chain & Links
Attached to a silver-toned (likely stainless steel or white gold) Figaro link chain. The Figaro style features 3 small circular links followed by 1 elongated oval link.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-cast with hand-finishing. The relief detail on the Tughra is well-defined, and the jump ring connecting the coin to the bail appears to be securely soldered.
Authentication Indicators
The deep, saturated buttery-yellow color is a strong indicator of high-purity (21K-24K) gold. The crispness of the relief suggests a high-quality die-struck or cast piece rather than a lead-alloy fake.
Origin & Maker
Likely Turkish (Istanbul/Grand Bazaar origin). Turkey is a primary global producer of high-karat jewelry styled after Ottoman empire currency.
Era & Period
Contemporary production in the 'Ottoman Revival' style. While the design is based on the 1909-1918 Sultan Mehmed V Reşat coinage, the casting quality suggests late 20th or 21st-century manufacture.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present day. The uniformity of the stars and the smoothness of the bail indicate modern centrifugal casting rather than antique hand-striking.
Cultural Significance
In Turkish and Middle Eastern culture, high-karat gold coins like this are often given as 'Altın' gifts for major life events, symbolizing luck and prosperity. They are seen as portable wealth (investment) as much as jewelry.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The pendant shows minor surface abrasions and slight dullness in the recessed areas. The bail appears sturdy with no significant thinning at the friction points.
Value Estimate
Valued primarily by gold weight at the 22K spot price (melt value), plus a 10-20% fabrication premium. Total estimated retail value: $350 - $650 USD depending on the final gram weight.
Care & Maintenance
22K gold is very soft; avoid wearing with heavy base-metal chains to prevent wearing down the bail. Clean with warm water and mild soap; avoid ultrasonic cleaners if any secret micro-fractures exist in the cast.
Similar Items
18K Gold Saudi Tughra pendants (usually lighter yellow), 24K Gold PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Pendants (more modern design), or authentic numismatic Ottoman gold coins in bezels.
Interesting Facts
The Tughra served as the Sultan's official signature and seal. It contains the name of the Sultan and his father, plus the title 'Ever Victorious.' Gold Reşat coins were originally minted in 1909 to celebrate the accession of Mehmed V.