Turkey 100 Lira UNC Banknote | 1972–1983 | P#189

Obverse | Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

The obverse features a prominent portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. His portrait continues the common visual identity seen throughout the E6 denomination sequence.

The Central Bank inscriptions and 100 Lira denomination are incorporated around the portrait within the detailed engraved composition. Consequently, the front remains immediately recognizable as part of the broader E6 family while the larger format gives this denomination a stronger visual presence.

For collectors comparing the series side by side, the recurring Atatürk portrait also provides continuity as the reverse subjects change from one denomination to another.

Reverse | Mount Ararat / Ağrı Dağı

The reverse features Mount Ararat, known in Turkish as Ağrı Dağı. Rising prominently across the landscape, the mountain becomes the defining collector motif of P#189 and separates the 100 Lira visually from the architecture-focused denominations elsewhere in the E6 group.

Where the 10 Lira highlights Istanbul and the 50 Lira presents Topkapı Palace, this denomination shifts the focus toward Türkiye’s physical geography. Therefore, the reverse broadens the thematic range of the series rather than repeating another urban landmark.

The mountain subject also gives P#189 additional appeal for thematic collectors interested in natural landscapes, mountains, geography, and Turkish landmarks represented on world paper money.

• Issuing Bank: Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.
• Emission Group: E6.
• First Issue Date: 15 May 1972.
• Material: Paper.
• Dimensions: Approximately 170 × 77 mm.
• Watermark: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

P#189 was produced with several signature and prefix combinations. The principal catalogue varieties are associated with 1972, 1979, and 1983. Although the fundamental Atatürk and Mount Ararat design remains consistent, signatures and serial prefixes distinguish the different production groups.

The 1972 issue is catalogued as P#189a and represents Series I. Later production from 1979 is catalogued as P#189b and belongs to Series II, while the 1983 production forms Series III under P#189c.

Therefore, a denomination collector may require only one P#189 example. By comparison, a specialist collector can pursue the different signature and prefix varieties individually.

A Geographic Landmark within the E6 Series

P#189 creates an interesting contrast between national leadership and natural geography. Atatürk establishes the Republican identity on the front, whereas Mount Ararat provides the reverse with an expansive landscape theme.

Furthermore, the mountain design adds variety to a collection containing the lower E6 denominations. Instead of repeating a palace, monument, or cityscape, the 100 Lira introduces a major geographic subject. As a result, the sequence becomes visually more diverse as the denominations increase.

Why the 100 Lira Stands Out in the Sequence

At approximately 170 × 77 mm, P#189 is noticeably larger than the lower denominations already covered in this series. Consequently, it has a strong physical presence when the E6 notes are displayed together.

The design also marks an important step in face value. After progressing through 5, 10, 20, and 50 Lira, collectors reach the first three-digit denomination of the group. Therefore, P#189 forms a natural transition between the lower-value notes and the larger denominations that follow.

Within the E6 sequence we are building, the 100 Lira P#189 follows the 5 Lira P#185, 10 Lira P#186, 20 Lira P#187, and 50 Lira P#188. It therefore occupies the fifth denomination position and begins the three-digit section of the set.

Collectors assembling the sequence denomination by denomination can place P#189 directly after the 50 Lira. Alternatively, those who already own the higher values can use this single banknote to fill the 100 Lira position independently.

• Single banknote: One authentic Turkey 100 Lira note.
• P#189: E6 catalogue reference with several documented varieties.
• Atatürk obverse: Features Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the front.
• Mount Ararat reverse: Features Ağrı Dağı as the principal landscape motif.
• UNC condition: Suitable for clean album presentation and archival storage.
• Series position: Fifth denomination and first three-digit value in the developing sequence.

• Use archival protection: Store the banknote inside an acid-free currency sleeve sized for its larger format.
• Protect UNC surfaces: Handle the note carefully by the edges and minimize direct contact.
• Record the variety: Note the signatures and prefix when cataloguing your P#189 example.
• Control the environment: Avoid excessive humidity, heat, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

The Turkey 100 Lira P#189 combines Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with Mount Ararat, adding a major Turkish landscape and the first three-digit denomination to the classic E6 sequence.