Turkey 500 Lira XF Banknote | 1971–1974 | P#190

Obverse | Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

The front features a prominent portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. His portrait continues the shared visual identity established across the E6 Emission Group.

Olive-green and blue tones dominate the composition, while the denomination and Central Bank inscriptions are integrated around the portrait. As a result, P#190 remains visually connected to the lower E6 denominations despite its substantially higher face value.

Furthermore, the large 170 × 80 mm format gives the portrait and surrounding engraved details considerable visual presence when displayed alongside the smaller denominations of the series.

Reverse | Main Gate of Istanbul University

The reverse features the Main Gate of Istanbul University. Its monumental entrance and architectural form create the defining reverse motif of the 500 Lira P#190.

Located in Istanbul’s historic university complex, the gate introduces an educational and architectural theme into the E6 sequence. Consequently, this denomination differs clearly from the natural landscape, palace, mausoleum, and cityscape subjects represented on the lower values.

The design also adds another Istanbul location to the series. However, instead of presenting the city’s waterfront or Ottoman palace architecture, P#190 focuses on a landmark closely associated with higher education and institutional history.

• Issuing Bank: Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.
• Emission Group: E6.
• First Series Issue: 1 September 1971.
• Second Series Issue: 9 September 1974.
• Material: Paper.
• Dimensions: Approximately 170 × 80 mm.
• Primary Colors: Olive green and blue.

P#190 was issued in two principal series. Although both use the same Atatürk and Istanbul University design, their signature combinations distinguish the individual production groups.

The 1971 Series I carries the signatures of Naim Talu and Memduh Güpgüpoğlu. By comparison, the 1974 Series II carries the signatures of Memduh Güpgüpoğlu and Yahya Arslaner.

Therefore, collectors interested primarily in denomination completion may select one P#190 example. Specialist collectors, however, can pursue both signature varieties as separate positions within an advanced E6 collection.

This particular product is offered in Extremely Fine (XF) condition, which is different from the UNC condition of several lower denominations in this set.

An XF banknote is a circulated collectible that retains strong overall presentation and substantial original detail. Nevertheless, normal evidence of careful circulation may be visible. Therefore, collectors should not expect the completely untouched surfaces associated with an UNC specimen.

For a series collection, however, an attractive XF example can provide a practical way to fill the P#190 position while maintaining a strong overall presentation.

Education and Architecture on the 500 Lira

The Main Gate of Istanbul University gives P#190 a collector identity that is noticeably different from the lower denominations. Instead of another natural feature or memorial, the reverse centers on an educational institution and its monumental architecture.

Meanwhile, Atatürk maintains continuity on the obverse. Thus, the banknote combines the established Republican portrait theme with an Istanbul landmark connected to academic life.

A Major Step in the Denomination Sequence

After the 100 Lira P#189, the series jumps directly to 500 Lira. Consequently, P#190 marks a substantial increase in face value and moves the collection into the highest denomination section of this E6 group.

Its dimensions reinforce that position. At 170 × 80 mm, the note is among the largest formats in the sequence, creating a strong visual presence when several E6 denominations are displayed together.

Within the E6 sequence we are building, the 500 Lira P#190 follows the 5 Lira P#185, 10 Lira P#186, 20 Lira P#187, 50 Lira P#188, and 100 Lira P#189.

It therefore occupies the sixth denomination position and introduces the high-value end of the group. Moreover, the transition from Mount Ararat on the 100 Lira to Istanbul University on the 500 Lira adds another distinct visual subject without interrupting the Atatürk-centered identity of the series.

• Single banknote: One authentic Turkey 500 Lira note.
• P#190: Classic E6 catalogue reference issued in two principal series.
• Atatürk obverse: Features Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the front.
• Istanbul University reverse: Features the university’s monumental Main Gate.
• XF condition: Well-preserved circulated collectible with strong overall presentation.
• Series position: Sixth denomination and an important high-value position in the E6 sequence.

• Use archival protection: Select an acid-free sleeve large enough for the 170 × 80 mm format.
• Preserve the XF grade: Avoid introducing additional folds, pressure, or handling marks.
• Record the variety: Check the signatures and prefix when cataloguing your P#190 example.
• Control the environment: Store away from excessive humidity, heat, and prolonged direct sunlight.

The Turkey 500 Lira P#190 pairs Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with the Main Gate of Istanbul University, creating a large-format E6 issue that marks an important move into the high-value section of this classic Turkish Lira sequence.