Türkiye's Central Bank put ninth-series 50 lira and eighth-series 5 lira banknotes into circulation on 11 September 2026. For visitors and international residents, the practical point is simple: this is a signature update, not a new denomination, redesign or currency conversion. The TCMB says the notes are identical to the earlier series in dimensions, front and back composition, general characteristics and appearance. Older 50 TL and 5 TL notes remain in circulation with the new ones.
Only the second official signature changed
Both new notes carry the signature of TCMB Governor Dr Fatih Karahan. The 50 TL note is co-signed by Deputy Governor Dr Gazi İshak Kara, while the 5 TL note is co-signed by Deputy Governor Prof Dr Fatma Özkul. Banknote series are routinely updated when authorised signatories change; that does not alter the note's face value.
The look, size and composition stay the same
The TCMB states that, apart from the signatures, the new notes are completely identical to the previous series in size, front and reverse composition, general features and appearance. A 50 TL or 5 TL note should therefore not be accepted or rejected merely because its signature pair differs from another genuine note of the same denomination.
Earlier-series notes were not withdrawn
The official announcement explicitly says the new notes will circulate together with the previous series. There is no exchange deadline, forced conversion or loss of value in the notice. Anyone claiming that an older genuine 50 TL or 5 TL note must be swapped immediately, especially for a fee, is not describing the TCMB decision.
What to check when handling cash
A different signature is not by itself evidence of a counterfeit. Check the denomination's official security features, the integrity of the paper and the whole note rather than one printed detail. TCMB publishes current banknotes and security features on its Banknotes pages. If a note is doubtful, use a bank or authorised institution instead of relying on social-media photos.
What travellers and residents need to do
No special action is required. Keep using genuine 5 TL and 50 TL notes from earlier series and accept the new series in normal transactions. Exchange bureaux, shops and cash users should treat both series according to their face value. The announcement changes neither Türkiye's denomination structure nor the exchange rate.