Turkey 5 Lira UNC Banknote | 1976 | P#185

Obverse | Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

The front features a portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. Positioned prominently within the composition, his portrait establishes the national identity of the denomination immediately.

The surrounding inscriptions identify the issuing authority and the five-lira value. In addition, the restrained portrait-centered composition provides an interesting reference point for collectors studying how Atatürk imagery developed across successive Turkish emission groups.

Reverse | Manavgat Waterfall in Antalya

The reverse depicts Manavgat Waterfall in Antalya. Instead of another political or architectural subject, the banknote therefore uses one of Türkiye’s natural landscapes as its principal reverse motif.

Water flowing across the broad falls creates a noticeably different visual character from the portrait side. Consequently, the two sides combine a central figure in modern Turkish history with the country’s natural geography.

For thematic collectors, this design also makes P#185 relevant to collections centered on waterfalls, landscapes, Antalya, and natural landmarks represented on world banknotes.

• Issuing Bank: Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.
• Emission Group: E6.
• Issue Date: 20 September 1976.
• Material: Paper.
• Dimensions: Approximately 135 × 60 mm.
• Watermark: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk portrait.

Why the 1970 Law Appears on a 1976 Banknote

Collectors sometimes encounter this issue described as a “1970” banknote. However, that date refers to the legislation printed on the note rather than the actual year in which this P#185 variety entered circulation.

The banknote was issued in 1976 under the law dated 14 January 1970. Therefore, identifying it as a 1976 issue under Law 1970 provides a clearer catalogue description and avoids confusing the legal reference with the banknote’s issue date.

Atatürk and the Turkish Landscape

P#185 follows a design approach that combines national identity with geography. Atatürk provides the historical and political focus on the obverse, whereas Manavgat Waterfall gives the reverse a completely different visual theme.

As a result, collectors receive two distinct perspectives within a relatively small denomination. The note can be studied as part of an Atatürk portrait sequence, an E6 Emission Group collection, or a thematic group featuring natural landmarks.

The 5 Lira denomination provides the low-value opening position within this older Turkish banknote group. Consequently, it creates a logical starting point for collectors who plan to progress through the higher denominations of the same broader period.

Collectors who already own larger Turkish Lira notes can also use P#185 to fill an important lower-denomination gap. Meanwhile, those starting a new Turkish collection can begin here and build upward denomination by denomination.

• Single banknote: One authentic Turkey 5 Lira note.
• P#185: Recognized catalogue reference from the E6 Emission Group.
• Atatürk obverse: Features Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the front.
• Manavgat reverse: Depicts Manavgat Waterfall in Antalya.
• UNC condition: Suitable for clean album presentation and archival storage.
• Series role: Useful low denomination for building an older Turkish Lira collection.

• Use archival protection: Store the note inside an acid-free banknote sleeve.
• Protect UNC surfaces: Handle carefully by the edges whenever possible.
• Maintain stable storage: Keep the banknote away from excessive heat and humidity.
• Limit light exposure: Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to help preserve printed colors.

The Turkey 5 Lira P#185 combines Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with Manavgat Waterfall in Antalya, creating a distinctive 1976 E6 issue and a natural starting denomination for an older Turkish Lira collection.