http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ot...s-ago.aspx?pageID=238&nID=21979&NewsCatID=375 Ottoman coins being lost due to law of 30 years ago ANTALYA - Anatolia News Agency Ottoman coins are being melted and used in souvenir sector due to the law made in 1982, according to the Turkish Numanistic Association’s Chairman Cem Mahruki, who says that sale and purchase of coins should be made free. AA photo Ottoman coins are being melted and used in souvenir sector due to the law made in 1982, according to the Turkish Numanistic Association’s Chairman Cem Mahruki, who says that sale and purchase of coins should be made free. AA photo Thousands of gold and silver coins from the Ottoman period are being melted for use in the souvenir sector because there is a ban on the sale and collection of coins from the era, according to the Turkish Numanistic Association’s chairman. “Collectors in our country cannot collect many coins because of this law. Since there is no demand in Turkey, Ottoman coins are bought abroad or melted, because they are made of metals like silver and gold. In this way, Ottoman history is [lost],” Cem Mahruki said. Law No. 2863 on the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Artifacts was made in 1982 by the National Security Council and has not been amended since then. Mahruki said the law, which covers the entire imperial era apart from the final six sultans, did more harm than good and that an urgent arrangement was necessary.
