Beshlik Coin: From Crimean Khanate to Ottoman Empire

Illustrated Specimen Details: Beshlik

Example Specimen: Beshlik, 1692–1699 — Crimean Khanate

Design & Symbolism: The "Beshlik" presented here is a historical silver (billon) coin of the Crimean Khanate, minted during the reign of the four-time Khan, Selim I Giray, who ruled intermittently from 1671 to 1704. As an autonomous state under the protectorate of the Ottoman Empire, the Crimean Khanate maintained its own monetary traditions, though they were heavily influenced by the Ottoman fiscal system.

The obverse and reverse of this specimen feature the name and titles of the ruler in Arabic script, characteristic of the epigraphic style common to the region. These coins reflect the economic reality of the late 17th century, serving as a standard denomination that bridged the gap between the smaller, increasingly impractical akçe and larger trade coins.

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DENOMINATION GUIDE — WHERE & WHEN (coins catalog: by names & emitents)

1. CRIMEAN KHANATE (17th-18th centuries): beshlik = 5 akçe = 1/2 onluk (onlik)
2. OTTOMAN EMPIRE (17th-19th centuries): beshlik = 5 para = 1/2 onluk
3. GEORGIA (Kingdom of Kartli, 18th century): beshlik = 1/2 onluk

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BESHLIK as a coin name.
The term "Beshlik" is derived from the Turkish word "beş", meaning "five". In the numismatic context of the 17th to 19th centuries, it designated a coin worth five units of the local currency (5 para in the Ottoman Empire or 5 akçe in the Crimean Khanate). It also functioned as the equivalent of 1/2 onluk.

In the territory of modern Ukraine, beshliks of the Crimean Khans, particularly from the reign of Selim I Giray, are among the most frequently discovered historical coins. Unfortunately, due to their billon (low-quality silver) composition, many have survived in poor condition. Production of these coins began in 1654 and continued until the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Empire. During the 18th century, the "kara-beshlik" (black beshlik) emerged, characterized by a significantly higher copper content (minimal silver) and a slightly increased weight of 1.5 grams.

Historical and Economic Context

The evolution of the beshlik reflects the complex economic relationship between the Crimean Khanate and the Ottoman Empire. While the term was shared, the Crimean beshlik had its own distinct history. Initially intended to replace the small and inconvenient akçe, the beshlik became a pillar of daily commerce for the Crimean Tatars and their neighbors.

As the state economy faced pressures, the debasement of currency became more common, leading to the production of the "black beshlik". This variation is a critical indicator of the economic challenges the Khanate encountered during its final century. Despite these issues, the beshlik remained a vital instrument for trade in the northern Black Sea region, facilitating transactions between the Crimean peninsula, the Ottoman Porte, and neighboring states.

Numismatic Significance

For the modern collector, the beshlik offers a direct link to the late period of the Crimean Khanate. Because the Ottoman and Crimean monetary systems overlapped and changed frequently, identifying these coins requires attention to both the minting authority and the specific weight standards of the period. While less precious in terms of metal content than earlier medieval issues, the beshlik is historically invaluable for understanding the transitionary economy of the pre-modern Black Sea world.

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