Catalog
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| Issuer | Ottoman Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 1917 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Paper |
| Size | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | None |
| Protection description | No security features; printed on non-translucent plain paper without watermark or security thread. |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
The Ottoman government's decision to overprint postage stamps and issue them as fractional currency in 1917 was a direct consequence of wartime metal shortages — copper and nickel had been redirected to the war effort, leaving no material for small-denomination coin production. These adhesive-stamp notes were not unique to the Ottomans; several belligerent powers adopted the same stopgap during the First World War.
Handling problems were persistent. Without adhesive backing removed, pieces stuck together in circulation; with it removed, the paper became fragile. Surviving examples in any condition above heavily worn are relatively uncommon for that reason.