Akçe - Cem Sultan Pretender
886 (1481) year| Silver | 0.72 g | 11 mm |
| Issuer | Ottoman Empire |
|---|---|
| Sultan | Bayezid II (1481-1512) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 886 (1481) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Akce |
| Currency | Akçe (1327-1687) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.72 g |
| Diameter | 11 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#285257 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Script: Arabic
Lettering:
عز نصره
ضرب برسه
سنه
٨٨٦
Translation: May his victory be glorious. Struck in Bursa, year 886
Comment
Prince Cem, also known as Cem Sultan, was one of the sons of Mehmed II (the Conqueror). On Mehmed's death in 1481, Cem was supported as the new sultan over Mehmed's more widely recognised heir, Prince Bayezid, by a number of influential figures in the Ottoman government. Cem's military campaign to secure the throne initially got off to a good start, defeating Bayezid's forces and setting up in the the city of Bursa on 28 May 1481. Cem offered to split the empire with Bayezid, but Bayezid, now in Istanbul with the backing of the janissaries and other elites, refused. Cem and Bayezid's forces met in battle on 19 June 1481. Cem was defeated and forced into exile, first in Egypt, and then being involved in plots and political chess in numerous courts around Europe until his death in 1495.During his three-week rule in Bursa, his administration managed to design and mint akçes. Because of his short reign and his defeat, Cem's akçes are among the rarest of Ottoman coins.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Akçe - Cem Sultan (Pretender) 886 (1481) coin from the Ottoman Empire is that it was issued during a time of political turmoil. Cem Sultan, also known as Cem Sultan Pretender, was a claimant to the Ottoman throne who emerged during a period of dynastic struggle within the empire. His coinage, including this silver Akçe, was minted in opposition to the official coinage of the reigning Sultan, Bayezid II. This coin represents a unique moment in Ottoman history, as it highlights the political tensions and power struggles that existed within the empire during this time.
