Obverse: The obverse bears the inscription TURKIYE CUMHURIYETI (Republic of Turkey), the denomination 4.000.000 LIRA, and the year 1999. The design is simple and elegant, emphasizing the coin’s value and national identity.
Reverse: The reverse features the lizard Lacerta clarkorum (currently known as Darevskia clarkorum), a species found in northeastern Turkey and southwestern Georgia. Around the image is the inscription LACERTA CLARKORUM.
About the coin: This 1999 4 Million Lira silver coin is part of Turkey’s series dedicated to the country’s wildlife and endangered species. It was minted to raise awareness about animal conservation. Lacerta clarkorum is a mountain lizard from the Lacertidae family, living in rocky and forested habitats.
The coin is made of 92.5% sterling silver, weighs 31.47 g, and measures 38.61 mm in diameter. It contains 29.6 g of pure silver. The coin has been demonetized and is now a valuable collectible due to its limited mintage and ecological theme.
The lizard Lacerta clarkorum was named in honor of British zoologists Richard and Erica Clark. The species is classified as Endangered (IUCN), making this coin a symbolic reminder of the importance of wildlife preservation.
