Central Asia

Uzbekistan new 100,000-som note (B216a) confirmed introduced 25.02.2019

According to a press release dated 16 February 2019, Uzbekistan plans to introduce a 100,000-som note (B216a) on 25 February 2019.

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Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Kyrgyzstan new 20-com note (B227a) confirmed



Like B220, but new security features.

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Kyrgyzstan new 5,000-com note (B233a) confirmed



Like B226, but new security features.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Mongolia new 5,000-tögrög note reported for introduction Q1 2019

According to a press release dated 28 December 2018, the Mongol Bank intends to introduce a revised 5,000-tögrög note in the first quarter of 2019. The note will have new security features, including the Soyombo symbol as 3D SPARK inkjet element. Preceding notes will continue to circulate in parallel.



Armenia new 1,000-, 2,000-, and 5,000-dram notes (B319 - B321) confirmed










Courtesy of Tod Hunt.

Tajikistan new 10 - 500-somoni notes (B217 - B221) confirmed

These notes are like the preceding issues, but new latent image on shield, repositioned registration device, new holographic stripe without laser-etched digits, new color-changing windowed security thread, and smaller repositioned flag at upper right back. They circulate in parallel with preceding issues.



Courtesy of Gor Tumasyan (gorstore on eBay).

Kyrgyzstan new 20- and 5,000-som notes (B227 and B233) reportedly introduced 20.12.2018

According to a press release, Kyrgyzstan has introduced new 20- and 5,000-som notes (B227 and B233) on 20 December 2018.




Courtesy of Vladimir Buravlev.

Armenia new 10,000-, 20,000-, and 50,000-dram notes (B322 - B324) confirmed










Courtesy of Numisnota (http://numisnota.eu).

Uzbekistan denies rumors of 100,000-som denomination

According to an article in Azernews dated 25 September 2018, the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan has denied rumors that it intends to issue a 100,000-som banknote. At present the largest denomination in circulation is the 50,000-som note (B215) introduced in 2017.

Armenia 500-dram and Kyrgyzstan 2,000-som notes win Regional Banknote of the Year 2018

According to a 21 February 2018 press release, the organizers of High Security Printing EMEA, Reconnaissance, revealed the 2018 winners of the Regional Banknote of the Year during the gala dinner at the conference in Warsaw, Poland.

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Armenia BNP301

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Kyrgyzstan B234

Kazakhstan new 500-tenge note (B148a) confirmed

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Like B147, but revised front/back, reduced in size, and new date (2017). Prefix AA. Intro: 22.11.2017.
Russian press release.

Courtesy of Wonsik Kang, Arsentij Khonin, Ömer Yalçinkaya, and Albert Vokhmin.

Kyrgyzstan new 2,000-som commemorative note (B234) confirmed introduced 17.11.2017

This note commemorates the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the national currency, the Kyrgyzstan som. The original design reflects the history of the formation of Kyrgyz statehood: from ancient times to the present day.

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Courtesy of Vladimir Buravlev, Arsentij Khonin, and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).


Kazakhstan new no-signature 5,000-tenge note (B149) confirmed

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Like B139b, but no signature at upper left back. Prefix BЛ.

Courtesy of Denis Orlov and Arsentij Khonin.


Tajikistan new 100-somoni note (B216a) confirmed

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Like B210, but new latent image on shield, repositioned registration device, new holographic stripe without laser-etched digits, new color-changing windowed security thread, and smaller repositioned flag at upper right back.

Courtesy of Leonid Graschenko (eBay kenvvood).

Tajikistan new sig/date (2017) 50-somoni note (B209c) confirmed

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Like B209b, but new date (2017) and new signatures. Prefix EJ.

Courtesy of Fritz Simons, Claudio Marana, and Leonid Graschenko (eBay kenvvood).

Turkmenistan new commemorative notes (B228 - B233) confirmed

These notes commemorate the 5th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games, held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan from 17 to 27 September 2017. The front of each note is like the preceding issue, but with the addition of the Ashgabat 2017 logo on the watermark area at left.The back of each note depicts a new architectural building erected in the Turkmen capital in honor of the games. Anti-counterfeiting features have also been enhanced. The games logo is “executed by a special press method,” and the two lowest denominations’ nominal figures are printed in OVI, and on higher denominations printed with SPARK Live. These new notes are legal tender, and circulate in parallel with notes dated 2009, 2012, and 2014.

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Courtesy of Сергей Сбитнев and Sergey Sbitnev.


Tajikistan new sig/date (2017) 20-somoni note (B208c) confirmed

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B208c: Like B208b, but new date (2017) and new signatures (Emmomali Rakhmonov and Nurmahmadzoda Jamshed). Prefix DM.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.


Tajikistan new sig/date (2017) 10-somoni note (B215b) confirmed

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B215b: Like B215a, but new date (2017) and new signatures (Emmomali Rakhmonov and Nurmahmadzoda Jamshed). Prefix CT.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.


Uzbekistan new 50,000-som note (B215a) confirmed

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According to a press release dated 14 August 2017, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan Republic intended to introduce a new 50,000-som note (B215a) on 22 August 2017.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson, Daniel Silva, and Bogdans Youscenko.

Kazakhstan new no-signature 500-tenge note (B147a) confirmed

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Like B129, but no signature, and changes to bank name.

Courtesy of Said Chelmouni, Denis Orlov, Arsentiy Khonin, and Ömer Yalçinkaya.

Mongolia new sig/date (2017) 1,000-tögrög note (B433c) confirmed

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Like B433b, but new date (2017) and new signature (Bayartsaikhan Nadmid).

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Mongolia new sig/date (2017) 10-tögrög note (B430e) confirmed

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Like B430d, but new date (2017), new signature (Bayartsaikhan Nadmid), and watermark (Chinggis Khaan).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Uzbekistan new 10,000-som note (B214) confirmed

According to a press release dated 3 March 2017, on 10 March 2017 the Central Bank of Uzbekistan Republic introduced a new 10,000-som note (B214), double the value of the previous largest denomination in the country, yet still worth only US$2.95 at present exchange rates.

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Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online) and Vadim Tislenko.



Kyrgyzstan modified portrait 50- and 100-som notes (B228, B229) confirmed

According to a press release dated 1 March 2017, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has introduced 50- and 100-som notes like the preceding issues, but with modified portraits, new signature, and new date (2016).

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Courtesy of Vladimir Buravlev and Vadim Tislenko.

Uzbekistan new 10,000-som note reported

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According to press reports, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan plans to introduce a new 10,000-som note, although when remains a mystery. The back of the reported note features the statue of Amir Temur in Shahrisabz.

Currently the largest denomination is the 5,000-som note (B213) introduced in 2013, and worth only US$1.50.

Courtesy of Tom Chao.

Kyrgyzstan modified 200-, 500-, and 1,000-som notes (B230, B231, B232) confirmed

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic introduced new banknotes on 1 January 2017. These notes are like the preceding issues, but with revised portraits at left front, round ornament at center front that reveals hidden image of COM when viewed with backlighting (TDLR’s Mask security feature), and the year 2016 at lower right back.

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Courtesy of Vladimir Buravlev.


Mongolia new date (2016) 50-togrog note (B421d) confirmed

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Like B421c, but new date (2016). Prefix AU.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Kazakhstan new 10,000-tenge commemorative note (B145a) confirmed

According to a press release dated 15 November 2016, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of independence, on 1 December 2016 the National Bank of Kazakhstan introduced a note featuring the portrait of the country's first, and so far only president, Nursultan Äbishuly Nazarbayev.

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B145 (PNL): 10,000 tenge (US$30)
Violet and blue. Front: Outline of Kazakhstan; flag; Astana-Baiterek monument and large buildings in Astana; President Nursultan Äbishuly Nazarbayev wearing suit and tie; national emblem. Back (vertical): Mountain range; outline of Kazakhstan in SPARK; Kazakh Eli monument in Astana. Holographic stripe with demetalized signature of President Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev, Kazakh Eli monument, and Astana skyline. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized sun and OH. Watermark: Nursultan Äbishuly Nazarbayev with electrotype 10000. Printer: (BFoNBK). 149 x 79 mm.
a. 2016. No signature. Prefix AA. Intro: 01.12.2016.

Courtesy of Ömer Yalçinkaya (eBay store), Albert Vokhmin, Cleo Phas, Nosenko Igor, and Mark Irwin.

Kyrgyzstan modified 200-, 500-, and 1,000-som notes (B230-B232) reported for 01.01.2017 introduction

According to a Russian language press release dated 6 December 2016, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic plans to introduce three new banknotes on 1 January 2017. These notes are like the preceding issues, but with revised portraits at left front, round ornament at center front that reveals hidden image of COM when viewed with backlighting (TDLR’s Mask security feature), and the year 2016 at lower right back.

According to an article on KABAR.kg, the bank has awarded the contract to print modified notes of 20, 50, 100, and 5,000 som to Oberthur Technologies, a French company. No word yet on when these denominations will be issued.



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Courtesy of Vladimir Buravlev and Cleo Has.


Kazakhstan new 1,000-tenge note (B146a) confirmed

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B146: Like B143, but without signature, and other minor modifications to the appearance of the bank’s name on front/back.

Courtesy of Ömer Yalçinkaya (eBay store).

Kazakhstan hybrid 20,000-tenge note (B144a) awarded Regional Banknote of the Year 2016

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B144 is the first “full circulation” note in the world to be printed on Durasafe, a paper-polymer-paper composite substrate produced by Landqart. It was honored as the Regional Banknote of the Year 2016 at Reconnaissance International’s High Security Printing Europe. Durasafe was previously used on Morocco's commemorative 25-dirham note (B514) issued in December 2012, and will be used on Switzerland's new 20-franc note due for introduction in April 2016.

Kazakhstan new 20,000-tenge note (B144a) confirmed

According to a press release dated 30 November 2015, the National Bank of Kazakhstan introduced a new 20,000-tenge note (B144) on 1 December 2015.

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B144 (PNL): 20,000 tenge (US$65)
Blue-gray and violet. Front (vertical): National emblem; SPARK pegasus patch; monumental arch; flying doves and Kazakh Eli monument in Astana; flag. Back: Outline of Kazakhstan; Akorda Palace (the presidential residence in Astana); doves; outline of Kazakhstan. Windowed and solid security threads. Watermark: Mythic Samruk bird with electrotype 20000. Printer: (BFoNBK). 155 x 79 mm.
a. 2013. Sig. 5. Prefix АА, AБ. Intro: 01.12.2015.
This note was printed in 2013 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tenge, but was not introduced until 2015.
Replacement notes: Prefix ЛЛ.

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin, Ömer Yalçinkaya (eBay store), and Arsentiy Khonin.


Kazakhstan new signature 500-tenge note (B129b) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_500_tenge_2006.00.00_B129b_P29_EK_9091909_fKazakhstan_NBK_500_tenge_2006.00.00_B129b_P29_EK_9091909_r
Like B129a, but new signature (Kairat Kelimbetov). Prefix EK, EЛ. Intro: 2015.

Courtesy of Arsentij Khonin.

Kazakhstan new signature 2,000-tenge note (B141b) confirmed

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Like B141a, but new signature. Prefix БB.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Kazakhstan new 1,000-tenge note (B143a) confirmed

According to a press release dated 12 December 2014, the National Bank of Kazakhstan has introduced a regular issue 1,000-tenge note with new design.

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B143 (PNL): 1,000 tenge (US$5.50)
Yellow, brown, orange, and blue. Front (vertical): National emblem; SPARK patch; flying doves and Kazakh Eli monument in Astana; flag. Back: Outline of Kazakhstan; mountains and landscape features of the Ustyurt Plateau. 4-mm wide StarChrome windowed security thread with demetalized 1000, tenge sign, and bird. Watermark: Mythic Samruk bird with electrotype 1000. Printer: (BFoNBK). 134 x 70 mm.
a. 2014. Signature 7. Prefix АА, AБ. Intro: 12.12.2014.

Courtesy of Arsentij Khonin, Cleo Phas, and Ömer Yalçinkaya.

Kyrgyzstan new 100- and 200-som commemoratives confirmed

On 20 October 2014, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic began issuing 3,000 pieces each of 100- and 200-som banknotes to commemorate the 150th birthday of Toktogul Satylganov (25.10.1864) and the 100th birthday of Alykul Osmonov (21.03.1915), respectively. These legal tender commemorative notes are like the preceding regular issues, but with offset overprints on the watermark areas at right front. On the 100-som note, there is a golden profile of Satylganov framed with the national ornament and bluish commemorative inscription (“Toktogul is 150 years old”). On the 200-som note, there is a golden quill drawing blue wave-like patterns with commemorative inscription (“Alykul Osmonov is 100 years old”).

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BNP102 (PNL): 100 com (som) (US$1.95)
Blue. Front: Toktogul Satylganov; golden profile of Satylganov framed with the national ornament and bluish commemorative inscription Токтогулга 150 жыл. Back: Toktogul hydroelectric power station; mountains. Windowed security thread with demetalized 100 COM. Watermark: Toktogul Satylganov with electrotype 100. Printer: (OT). 132 x 63 mm.
a. 2009. Signature 4. Prefix TC. Intro: 20.10.2014.

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BNP103 (PNL): 200 com (som) (US$3.85)
Yellow. Front: Poet and playwright Alykul Osmonov; relief image of the sun and waves; golden quill drawing blue wave-like patterns with commemorative inscription Алыкул Осмоновго 100 жыл. Back: Lines from Osmonov’s “Jenishbek” about Lake Issyk-Kul; mountains. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 200 com. Watermark: Alykul Osmonov with electrotype 200. Printer: (TDLR). 138 x 66 mm.
a. 2010. Signature 4. Prefix AO. Intro: 20.10.2014.

Courtesy of Eduard Khan, Arsentij Khonin, Cleo Phas, Albert Vokhmin, and Vladimir Buravlev.

Kazakhstan new signature 1,000-tenge note (B130b) confirmed

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Like B130a, but new signature. Prefix ДЖ.

Courtesy of Ömer Yalçinkaya.


Turkmenistan new 1-, 50-, and 100-manat notes confirmed

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According to a press release by the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, revised 1-, 50-, and 100-manat notes have been issued with enhanced security features, including microprinting, pearlescent stripes, and—on the two larger denominations—wider windowed security threads and holographic stripes. The notes are dated 2014 and signed by Gochmyrat Myradov.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Kazakhstan new signature 5,000-tenge note (B139b) confirmed

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Like B139a, but new signature (Kairat Kelimbetov).

Courtesy of Arsentij Khonin.

Kazakhstan new signature 10,000-tenge note (B140b) confirmed

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Like B140a, but new signature.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Ömer Yalçinkaya (stores.ebay.com/Omer-Yalcinkaya-Collection-Shop).

Kazakhstan 1,000-tenge note (B142a) named IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2013

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The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) announces that its voting membership has again selected the National Bank of Kazakhstan to receive its prestigious “Bank Note of the Year” Award for 2013. Facing stiff competition as always from the nearly 50 newly designed banknotes released worldwide in 2013, the 1000 Tenge denomination Kazakhstan note was followed in the closest voting ever by the Canada 10 Dollar and Fiji 5 Dollar currency bills.

Now in its 53rd year, the IBNS has over 2000 members worldwide. As a nonprofit educational organization its objectives are to promote, stimulate and advance the study, collection and dissemination of information related to paper money. From all significantly newly designed and widely circulated banknotes released in 2013, the IBNS membership nominated notes from 12 different countries to place on the ballot. Nominees represented four continents and ranged from Europe, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North America, South America and four island nations. Past “Bank Note of the Year” winners include Kazakhstan (2012 & 2011), Uganda (2010), Bermuda (2009), Samoa (2008), Scotland (2007), Comoros (2006), Faeroe Islands (2005) and Canada (2004).

The 2013 winning banknote was produced collaboratively by the Banknote Factory of the National Bank of Kazakhstan and De La Rue Currency of England. The 1000 Tenge bill has a face value of approximately 5.5 U.S. dollars or 4 euros or 3.3 British pounds at early May 2014 exchange rates. The note was issued December 12, 2013. Smaller than U.S. dollar bills, its size of 134 x 70 mm is almost identical to the British 5 pound and European Union 20 euro notes.

The stunning design, predominantly in warm hues of yellow, brown and gold is dedicated to “Kultegin - the Monument of the Turkic Runic Writing,” whose effigy appears on the vertical format face of the note along with the modern “Kazak Eli” monument. The horizontal format reverse side highlights petroglyphic drawings of Turkic warriors against a background monument to Turkic writing. A full color image of this and other nominated banknotes are on the IBNS website.

The IBNS is open to membership from interested persons in any country. Details concerning all IBNS activities are available at www.theibns.org.



Kazakhstan new 20,000-tenge note postponed

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According to an article on Kapital.kz dated 18 December 2013, the National Bank of Kazakhstan has decided not to introduce a 20,000-tenge note at this time due to fears of inflation. At present the largest denomination is the 10,000-tenge note (US$65).

Courtesy of Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle.

Kazakhstan new 1,000-tenge commemorative note (B142a) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2013.12.12_B142a_P44_AA_1925801_fKazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2013.12.12_B142a_P44_AA_1925801_r

According to a press release dated 12 December 2013, "In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No.2155 of 30 March 1995 “On the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, based on the decision of the Management Board of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Resolution No. 263 of 11 November 2013 of the Management Board of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Determination of the Design and Date of Circulation of the Commemorative Banknote of KZT 1,000 Nominal Value, Dedicated to Kultegin – the Monument of Turkic Runic Writing” signed by Kelimbetov K.N., the Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan), announces the issue, effective from 12 December 2013, of the commemorative banknote of KZT 1,000 (one thousand tenge) nominal value, dedicated to “Kultegin” – the monument of the Turkic runic writing.
The commemorative banknote of KZT 1,000 (one thousand tenge) nominal value of the sample of 2013, dedicated to “Kultegin” – the monument of the Turkic runic writing, is made of the paper of size 134 х 70 mm. The prevailing color of the banknote is yellow-brown.

The obverse side of the banknote is a follows: the prevailing images are vertical. The key images are: the monument “Қазақ Елi” (“Kazak Eli”) on the right side of the banknote and images of the flying doves in the bottom right. In the middle of the left part there is a fragment of Kultegin sculpture. In the upper part there are the images of the symbols of state of the Republic of Kazakhstan: the National Emblem and State Flag. The digital notation of the nominal value is printed at the upper left; and below it there is a legend in the state language warning about responsibility for counterfeiting: "Банкноттарды қолдан жасау заңмен қудаланады" (Banknottardy koldan zhasau zanmen kudalanady). To the left there is a horizontally located literal notation of the nominal value in the state language and a legend "ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ" (KAZAKHSTAN ULTYK BANKI).

The reverse side is as follows: the prevailing images are horizontal. The key images are: petroglyphic drawings of Turkic warriors and the monument of Turkic writing in the background. Lower left and right top there is a digital notation of the banknote nominal value and in the bottom center there is a literal notation of the nominal value in the Russian language. On the left side there is a holographic band of 12 mm wide with the image of a fragment of the State Flag, the National Bank’s logo and a legend “Ескерткіш теңге” (Eskertkish tenge). A legend “ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ" (KAZAKHSTAN ULTYK BANKI) is printed in the top middle. In the lower left corner, under the digital notation of the banknote nominal value, there is a legend “Подделка банкнот преследуется по закону” (“Counterfeiting is prosecuted under the law”).

The circulation of the commemorative banknote of KZT 1,000 (one thousand tenge) dedicated to Kultegin – the monument of Turkic runic writing - is 10,000,000."

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Arsentij Khonin.

Russia new 100-ruble Olympic commemorative confirmed

Russia_CBR_100_rubles_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_4287129_f Russia_CBR_100_rubles_2014.00.00_PNL_AA_4287129_r

According to a press release dated 30 October 2013, Bank of Russia has begun issuing 20 million 100-ruble notes commemorating the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi. The new notes are legal tender and will circulate in parallel with existing notes of the same denomination.

PNL: 100 rubles
Blue, purple, green, and orange. Front (vertical): Holographic flame; snowboarder; mountains; Olympic venues in Sochi. Back (vertical): SPARK bird; Fischt Stadium in Sochi; underprint of athletes including skiers, ski jumper, skaters, hockey player, curler, and bobsled team. Vitrail security thread. Watermark: sochi.ru 2014 and Olympic rings. Printer: (Goznak). 150 x 65 mm.
a. 2014. Intro: 30.10.2013. Prefix AA, aa, and Aa (reportedly replacement).

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin and Ömer Yalçinkaya.

Uzbekistan new 5,000-som note (B213a) confirmed

Uzbekistan_CBU_5000_sum_2013.00.00_B13a_PNL_UY_1930702_f
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The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has issued a 5,000-som banknote on 1 July 2013, surpassing the 1,000-som note (B212) introduced in 2001 as the largest denomination.

Since 1940, the Uzbek language has been written in Cyrillic script, but following the break-up of the Soviet Union, Latin script has been officially re-introduced. This is the first note on which Latin script is used.

B213 (PNL): 5,000 so’m (US$2.35)
Green, blue, and brown. Front: Uzbek text; coat of arms. Back: Uzbek text; Oliy Majlis parliament building with flag in Tashkent. Windowed security thread with demetalized UZB. Watermark: Coat of arms and eletrotype 5000. Printer: (Uzbekistan). 144 x 77 mm.
a. 2013. Prefix AA - UZ. Intro: 01.07.2013.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana, Dennis Zammit, and Brekke.ru.

Uzbekistan denies reports of new 5,000-som banknote

According to an article on Azernews dated 24 June 2013, the press service of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan has denied reports of an introduction of a new 5,000-som banknote. At present, the highest denomination remains the 1,000-som note (B212) introduced in 2001, with a face value of approximately US$0.55.



Tajikistan revised 5- and 10-somoni notes confirmed

Tajikistan_NBT_5_somoni_1999.00.00_B6b_PNL_BN_5040025_f
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Tajikistan_NBT_10_somoni_1999.00.00_B7a_PNL_CM_3691050_f
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On 27 December 2012, the National Bank of Tajikistan introduced revised 5- and 10-somoni (US$1.05 and $2.10, respectively) banknotes like the preceding issues (NBT B6 and B7), but with the addition of a Kinegram stripe at right front.

Courtesy of Dmitry Zagorenko (http://bonistica.ru) and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Tajikistan new 20-, 50-, and 100-somoni notes confirmed

Tajikistan_NBT_20_somoni_1999.00.00_B8b_P17_DG_8172151_fTajikistan_NBT_50_somoni_1999.00.00_B9b_P18_EC_6677111_f
According to a press release dated 4 March 2013, on 5 March the National Bank of Tajikistan issued 20-, 50-, and 100-somoni notes with enhanced security features which include laser-etching the last three digits of the serial number into the adjacent holographic stripe. The 200-somoni note released two years ago was the first to have the laser-etched numbers.

Courtesy of Cedrian and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (www.banknoten.de).

Kazakhstan 5,000-tenge note (B139a) named IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2012

Kazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2011.00.00_B139a_P38_AA_7310096_fKazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2011.00.00_B139a_P38_AA_7310096_r
The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) announces that its voting membership has again selected the National Bank of Kazakhstan to receive its prestigious “Bank Note of the Year” Award for 2012. Facing stiff competition as always from nearly 100 new banknotes released worldwide in 2012, the 5000 Tenge denomination Kazakhstan note was followed in voting by the Canada 50 Dollar and Jersey 100 Pound currency bills.

Now in its 52nd year, the IBNS has over 2000 members worldwide. As a nonprofit educational organization its objectives are to promote, stimulate and advance the study, collection and dissemination of information related to paper money. From all significantly newly designed and widely circulated banknotes released in 2012, the IBNS membership nominated notes from 13 different countries to place on the ballot. Nominees represented four continents and ranged from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East to North, South and Central America. Past “Bank Note of the Year” winners include Kazakhstan (2011), Uganda (2010), Bermuda (2009), Samoa (2008), Scotland (2007), Comoros (2006), Faeroe Islands (2005) and Canada (2004).

The 2012 winning banknote was designed collaboratively by De La Rue of England and the National Bank. The Banknote Factory of the National Bank of Kazakhstan undertook the printing. The 5000 Tenge bill has a face value of approximately 33 U.S. dollars or 25 euros or 22 British pounds at early-May 2013 exchange rates. The note was issued 30 December 2011 for circulation in 2012. Slightly narrower, but taller, than U.S. dollar bills, its size is almost identical to the 20 pound English and 50 Euro notes.

The stunning design, predominantly in vivid reddish-orange features the “Kazak Eli” monument with flying doves and panther in a vertical format on the face of the banknote. The horizontal format reverse side highlights a map of the country with mountains and the “Monument of Independence” with the Kazakhstan Hotel in the former capital city of Almaty. A full color image of this and other nominated banknotes are on the IBNS website.

The IBNS is open to membership from interested persons in any country. Details concerning all IBNS activities are available at www.theibns.org.

Kazakhstan new 2,000-tenge note (B141a) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_2000_tenge_2012.00.00_B141a_P41_AA_0000062_fKazakhstan_NBK_2000_tenge_2012.00.00_B141a_P41_AA_0000062_r
According to a press release from the Naitonal Bank of the Rupublic of Kazkhstan, a new 2,000-tenge note was issued 29 March 2013. "The banknote of KZT 2,000 (two thousand) nominal value with a modified design is made of the paper of 139х73 mm. The obverse side of the banknote is a follows: the prevailing colors are dark green and light green; the prevailing images are vertical. The key images: the monument “Қазақ Елi” (“Kazak Eli”) on the right side of the banknote and images of the flying doves in the bottom center. At the bottom of the banknote there is a figure of saiga antelope made with the color- shifting paint. In the upper part there are the images of the symbols of state of the Republic of Kazakhstan: national emblem and state flag. The digital notation of the nominal value is printed on the left side, above and below; on the left center there is a digital notation of the nominal value in the state language. The legend "ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ" (KAZAKHSTAN ULTYK BANKI) is in the upper left corner; below there is a legend in the state language warning about responsibility for counterfeiting: "Банкноттарды қолдан жасау заңмен қудаланады" (Banknottardy koldan zhasau zanmen kudalanady)."

"The reverse side is as follows: the prevailing colors are dark green and light green; the prevailing images are horizontal. The key image is an outline of Kazakhstan map contour with the image of Irtysh River. On the right side there is a holographic band of 13 mm wide with the image of nominal value, a stylized yurt and fragment of the state flag. Lower left, right top and lower right there is a digital notation of the banknote nominal value and in the bottom center there is a literal notation of the nominal value in the Russian language. A legend “ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ", is printed in the top middle; in the lower left corner, under the notation of the banknote nominal value, there is a legend “Подделка банкнот преследуется по закону” (“Counterfeiting is prosecuted under the law”)."

Courtesy of Ömer Yalçinkaya and Arsentiy Khonin.

Russia 100-ruble Olympic commemorative note reported for October 2013 introduction

Russia_100_ruble_commemorative_fRussia_100_ruble_commemorative_r
According to an article on Sports NDTV dated 22 January 2013, the Bank of Russia has announced that it will start printing 100-ruble (US$3.30) banknotes in March to commemorate the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, 7-23 February 2014.

The new note features a blue color scheme, vertical orientation, and depicts a snowboarder flying over Sochi on the front and the Olympic Stadium and the Firebird on the back.

Ten million notes will be printed, with introduction into circulation in October 2013, 100 days prior to the start of the games. Some notes will be packaged as numismatic products.

Courtesy of David Surette, Phil Martin, Brian Lema, Andrey Kuvaldin, Albert Vokhmin, Dmitry Zagorenko, Afanasov Evgeny.

Kazakhstan accepts IBNS Bank Note of the Year award

This CapioNet page contains an article and English-language video showing the chairman of the National Bank of Kazakhstan accepting the IBNS Bank Note of the Year award for 2011.

Turkmenistan new 5-manat note dated 2012 confirmed

Turkmenistan_TMB_5_M_2012.00.00_B23a_PNL_AB_6888036_f
Turkmenistan_TMB_5_M_2012.00.00_B23a_PNL_AB_6888036_r
TMB B23 (PNL): 5 manat (US$1.75)
Tan. Front: Map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Soltan Sansar Türkmen. Back: Buildings; Garassyzlyk Binasy and Bitaraplyk Binasy (Independence Monument and Neutrality Arch in Ashgabat); five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and solid security thread with demetalized 5TMB. Watermark: Soltan Sansar Türkmen; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 5; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 126 x 63 mm.

Like TMB B16 (P23), but the lower right front around the denomination numeral has been redesigned, the date and signature (Tuvakmammet Japarov) are new, and a pearlescent stripe has been added on back.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Turkmenistan new 20-manat note dated 2012 confirmed

Turkmenistan_TMB_20_M_2012.00.00_B25a_PNL_AC_0122619_f
Turkmenistan_TMB_20_M_2012.00.00_B25a_PNL_AC_0122619_r
TMB B25 (PNL): 20 manat (US$7)
Purple. Front: Map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Görogly Beg Türkmen. Back: Ruhyyet Köşgi (Ruhyyet Palace) building; five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 20 MANAT. Watermark: Görogly Beg Türkmen; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 20; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 138 x 69 mm.

Like TMB B18 (P25), but the lower right front around the denomination numeral has been redesigned, the date and signature (Tuvakmammet Japarov) are new, and a pearlescent stripe has been added on back.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Turkmenistan new 10-manat note dated 2012 confirmed

Turkmenistan_TMB_10_M_2012.00.00_B24a_PNL_AA_9569335_fTurkmenistan_TMB_10_M_2012.00.00_B24a_PNL_AA_9569335_r
TMB B24 (PNL): 10 manat (US$3.50)
Red. Front: Map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Magtymguly Pyragy. Back: Türkmenistanyň Merkezi Banky (Turkmenistan central bank) headquarters building; five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 10 MANAT. Watermark: Magtymguly Pyragy; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 10; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 132 x 66 mm. a. 2012. Signature 5. Intro: September 2012.

Like TMB B17 (P24), but the lower right front around the denomination numeral has been redesigned, the date and signature (Tuvakmammet Japarov) are new, and a pearlescent stripe has been added on back.

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Turkmenistan new 1-manat note dated 2012 confirmed

Turkmenistan_TMB_1_M_2012.00.00_B22a_PNL_AB_2299411_f
Turkmenistan_TMB_1_M_2012.00.00_B22a_PNL_AB_2299411_r
Turkmenistan_TMB_1_M_2012.00.00_B22a_PNL_AB_2299411_sig
TMB B22 (PNL): 1 manat (US$0.35)
Green. Front: Map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Togrul Beg Türkmen. Back: Beyik Saparmyrat Türkmenbasynyň Milli Medeniyet Merkezi (National Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan) buildings; five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and solid security thread with demetalized 1TMB. Watermark: Togrul Beg Türkmen; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 1; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 120 x 60 mm.
a. 2012. Signature 5. Intro: September 2012.

Like TMB B15 (P22), but the lower right front around the denomination numeral has been redesigned, the date and signature (Tuvakmammet Japarov) are new, and a pearlescent stripe has been added on back.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Mikhail "Mike" Prizov.

Turkmenistan new 2012 notes reported

Turkmenistan_TMB_1_M_2012.00.00_B15b_P22_AA_1234567_f
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Turkmenistan_TMB_5_M_2012.00.00_B16b_P23_AA_1234567_f
Turkmenistan_TMB_5_M_2012.00.00_B16b_P23_AA_1234567_r

Turkmenistan_TMB_10_M_2012.00.00_B17_P24_AA_1234567_f
Turkmenistan_TMB_10_M_2012.00.00_B17_P24_AA_1234567_r

Turkmenistan_TMB_20_M_2012.00.00_B18b_P25_AA_1234567_f
Turkmenistan_TMB_20_M_2012.00.00_B18b_P25_AA_1234567_r
According to a post on the web site of the Türkmenistanyñ Merkezi Banky (Central Bank of Turkmenistan), new banknotes have been issued in the denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 20 manat. All of the notes appear to be dated 2012, bearing new signatures, and with a pearlescent stripe on back. The two larger denominations also appear to have SPARK patches on front. There's no information on the fate of the 50- and 100-manat notes. As the largest denominations in Turkmenistan, one would assume they are in line for enhanced security features, too, but perhaps the bank still has sufficient stocks of the notes originally issued in 2009.

Courtesy of Mehdi Kasumov.

Kazakhstan new date (2012) non-commemorative 10,000-tenge note (B140a) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2012.00.00_B140a_P43_AГ_3287334_fKazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2012.00.00_B140a_P43_AГ_3287334_r
On 28 May 2012, the National Bank of Kazakhstan introduced a 10,000-tengé (US$69) note like B138, but without the 20th anniversary logo on back, and a new date of 2012. The commemorative issue of this note recently received the IBNS Bank Note of the Year award.

Courtesy of Andrew Randall, Thomas Krause, and Ömer Yalcinkaya (stores.ebay.com/Omer-Yalcinkaya-Collection-Shop).

Kazakhstan 10,000-tenge note (B138a) named IBNS Bank Note of the Year 2011

Kazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2011.00.00_B138a_P39_AA_3612436_fKazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2011.00.00_B138a_P39_AA_3612436_r
The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) announces that its voting membership has selected the National Bank of Kazakhstan to receive its prestigious “Bank Note of the Year” Award for 2011. Facing stiff competition as always from almost 100 new banknotes released worldwide in 2011, the 10,000 Tenge denomination Kazakhstani note [NBK B38 (PNL)] was followed in voting by the Canada 100 Dollar and Gibraltar 100 Pound currency bills [GOG B34 (P39)].

Now in its 51st year, the IBNS has over 2000 members worldwide. As a non-profit educational organization its objectives are to promote, stimulate and advance the study, collection and dissemination of information related to paper money. From all significantly newly designed and widely circulated banknotes released in 2011, the IBNS board of directors nominated notes from 12 different countries to place on the ballot. Nominees represented 5 continents and ranged from the fledgling country of South Sudan to the venerable Bank of England. Past “Bank Note of the Year” winners include Uganda (2010), Bermuda (2009), Samoa (2008), Scotland (2007), Comoros (2006), Faeroe Islands (2005) and Canada (2004).

The 2011 winning banknote was designed collaboratively by De La Rue of England and the National Bank. The Banknote Factory of the National Bank of Kazakhstan undertook the printing. The 10,000 Tenge bill has a face value of approximately 68 U.S. dollars or 53 euro or 42 British pounds at mid-May 2012 exchange rates. The note was released 4 July 2011 with a circulation of 30 million pieces to commemorate 20 years of Independence for the Republic of Kazakhstan. Slightly larger than either the 50 euro or U.S. dollar bills, its size is almost identical to the English 20 pound note.

The stunning design, predominantly in dark blue-violet features the “Kazak Eli” monument with flying birds in a vertical format on the face of the banknote. The horizontal format reverse side highlights the Presidential Palace in the new capital city of Astana and a map of the country. A full color image of this and other Kazakh banknotes can be viewed on the National Bank’s website.

The IBNS is open to membership from interested persons in any country. Details concerning all IBNS activities are available at www.theibns.org.

Russia new 500-ruble note confirmed


500 rubles (US$16.65), 2010. Introduced 6 September 2011. Like P271 but with the following changes:
  • The color and styling of the front and back of the partially modified.
  • Dated 2010 at bottom left front.
  • Embedded security fibers in paper.
  • Wide windowed security thread.
  • Tactile elements for the sight impaired.
  • Rainbow moire pattern.
  • Horizontal novel serial numbering at left.
  • Magnetic properties added.
  • New UV printing.

The most substantial change to the design is on the back, which now features a correct view of the Solovetsky Monastery, which the preceding 500-ruble notes incorrectly depicted during its time as a concentration camp.

Courtesy of Andrey Kuvaldin and Sergei Balykhin.


Kazakhstan new 5,000-tenge note (B139a) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2011.00.00_B139a_P38_AA_7310096_fKazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2011.00.00_B139a_P38_AA_7310096_r
On 7 January 2012, the ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ (National Bank of Kazakhstan) issued a press release in Kazakh regarding a new 5,000-tengé (US$34) note dated 2011.

B139 (PNL): 5,000 tengé
Red, blue, yellow, and green. Front (vertical): OVI national emblem; stylized snow leopards; birds; Kazakh Eli monument in Astana; flag. Back: Outline of Kazakhstan; Zailijsky Alatau ridge of Tjan-Shan mountain range; field of flowers; Independence Monument and Kazakhstan hotel in Almaty. Solid security thread. Holographic stripe with apples, birds, and 5000. 6-mm wide windowed security thread. Watermark: Mythic Samruk bird with electrotype 5000. Printer: (BFoNBK). 144 x 76 mm.
a. 2011. Signature 5. Intro: 30.12.2011.
as. Diagonal red УЛГІ ovpt; horizontal red # ovpt at lower center.

Courtesy of Ömer Yalcinkaya.


Russia new 5,000-ruble note confirmed


5,000 rubles (US$166), 2010 (date appears vertically below serial number at left front). Introduced 6 September 2011. Like P273 but with the following changes:
  • The color and styling of the front and back of the partially modified.
  • Dated 2010 at bottom left front.
  • Embedded security fibers in paper.
  • Wide windowed security thread.
  • Coat of arms of Khabarovsk in SPARK ink.
  • Tactile elements for the sight impaired.
  • Rainbow moire pattern.
  • Horizontal novel serial numbering at left.
  • Magnetic properties added.
  • New UV printing.

Courtesy of Andrey Kuvaldin, Vitali Khaletski, and Sergei Balykhin.

Russia announces it is printing 10-ruble notes again


According to an article on The Moscow News dated 23 December 2011, Georgry Luntovsksy, the head of the Bank of Russia, has acknowledged, “In the fourth quarter [of 2011] we once again began printing the paper 10 ruble note, as banks had begun to complain of a deficit of the coins.” In October 2009, the bank announced the 10-ruble (US$0.30) note would be replaced with a coin.

Uzbekistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Uzbekistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Uzbekistan in 1992, and the Central Bank of Uzbekistan Republic from 1994 to present. Revised 25.09.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

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Turkmenistan new 10,000-manat variety reported


There may be a new variety for the 10,000-manat note dated 1999, listed in The Banknote Book as TMB B6 (P13). As you can see from the scans above, there is a crescent moon and five stars in optically variable ink at upper left front. On the earlier issue (based upon the serial number) shown at left, the OVI appears green, but on later issues shown at right, the OVI appears gold. The differences in the color is not a scanning artifact; examining the notes themselves reveals they appear different to the naked eye even when tilted back and forth.

All images I’ve seen of notes with higher serial numbers than the one shown at right also appear to have gold OVI, including the revised 2000 dated note TMB B7 (P14). If anyone else has a green OVI note, please post a comment with your note’s serial number.

Courtesy of Richard Miranda.

Russia to issue modified 500- and 5,000-ruble notes in 2012


The Moscow News has run the above photo of Gennady Luntovsky, deputy chairman of Bank of Russia, holding a modified 5,000-ruble (US$177) note which has enhanced anti-counterfeiting features. According to this Russian-language post, the new 5,000-ruble notes are scheduled for introduction in 2012, along with upgraded 500-ruble notes.

Kazakhstan new 10,000-tenge commemorative note (B138a) confirmed

In the second quarter of 2010, the board of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted at its meetings 34 resolutions, including one “On emission of an anniversary banknote of KZT 10,000 (ten thousand) denomination devoted to the 20th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”

Kazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2011.00.00_B138a_P39_AA_3612436_fKazakhstan_NBK_10000_tenge_2011.00.00_B138a_P39_AA_3612436_r
B138 (PNL): 10,000 tengé (US$69)
Violet and blue. Front (vertical): National emblem; birds; Kazakh Eli monument in Astana; flag. Back: 20th anniversary logo; outline of Kazakhstan; Akorda Palace (the presidential residence in Astana); birds. Copper stripe. Solid security thread. Optiks security thread. Solid security thread. Watermark: Eagle with spread wings. Printer: (TDLR and BFoNBK). 149 x 79 mm. 2011. Signature 5. Intro: 04.07.2011.

Courtesy of Ted Sofos, Vadim Tislenko, and Ömer Yalcinkaya.

Turkmenistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Turkmenistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Central State Bank of Turkmenistan from 1993 to 1995, and the Türkmenistanyñ Merkezi Banky (Central Bank of Turkmenistan) from 1995 to present. Revised 08.12.2017.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Kazakhstan new 1,000-tenge commemorative and specimen confirmed




1,000 tengé (US$6.90), 2011. Ten million banknotes were introduced on 25 May 2011 to commemoratie the Republic of Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

Obverse: The images are vertical. The main image in the middle of the banknote: the dome of the mausoleum of Hodja Akhmed Yassavi. On the left is the official logo of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. The face value is placed in the lower part of the banknote. The upper part shows the state symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan: National Emblem and National Flag. The name of the issuing bank, in Kazakh, is placed vertically in the top left, above the name there is an inscription in the Kazakh language stating that counterfeiting banknotes is against the law.

Reverse: The images are horizontal. The main image is the mausoleum of Hodja Akhmed Yassavi. . The face value is placed in the bottom left, in the middle and the right part. The name of the issuing bank, in the Kazakh language is in the middle of the upper half of the note. At the bottom in the middle of the banknotes, there is an inscription in Russian stating that counterfeiting banknotes is against the law.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko and Ömer Yalcinkaya.


Tajikistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Tajikistan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 12-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan in 1994, and the National Bank of Tajikistan from 1999 to present. Revised 31.12.2017.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Kyrgyzstan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Kyrgyzstan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Kyrgyz Republic in 1993 and the Kyrgyzstan Bank from 1993 to present. Revised 22.12.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Kazakhstan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Kazakhstan chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 20-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of Kazakhstan from 1993 to present. Revised 25.10.2018.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
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If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

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Tajikistan revised 5-somoni note confirmed


5 somoni (US$1.10), 1999. Like P15, but central vignette in blue, not gray. Intro: 2010.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Russia new 1,000-ruble note confirmed


On 10 August 2010, Bank of Russia issued a new 1,000-ruble (US$33.20) note with improved security features, including a translucent band, OVI bank logo, SPARK patch with bear on shield, rainbow moire pattern, electrotype 1000 watermark, solid security thread with demetalized 1000, microperf, intaglio printing, microprinting, and a slightly darker and refined picture of Yaroslavl kremlin chapel, and Yaroslav I the Wise, as well as a number of changes to shading lines and margins. The new note is aimed at fighting counterfeiters. Older notes of the same denomination issued in 1997 and 2004 (Pick 277) will be removed from circulation as they wear out, but remain legal tender.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Kazakhstan new 2,000-tenge commemorative (B136a) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_2000_tenge_2011.00.00_B136a_P36_AБ_2230266_fKazakhstan_NBK_2000_tenge_2011.00.00_B136a_P36_AБ_2230266_r
On 17 January 2011, the National Bank of Kazakhstan issued a new 2,000-tenge (US$13.60) banknote to mark the 2011 Asian Winter Games hosted by Kazakhstan. The banknote bears the emblem of the 7th Asian Winter Games that are scheduled to be held in Astana and Almaty from 30 January to 6 February.

2,000-tenge (US$13.60)
Green and blue. Front (vertical): Snowflakes; Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Mountain; ski jumper; globe emblem of the 7th Asian Winter Games. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 2000 and text along scrolling line. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 2000. Printer: (TDLR and BFoNBK). 139 x 73 mm. 2011. Signature 5. Intro: 17.01.2011.

Courtesy of Omer Yalcinkaya, Thomas Krause, Claudio Marana, Vadim Tislenko, and Nazir Rahemtulla.

Kyrgyzstan new 200-, 500-, and 1,000-som notes confirmed

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic introduced new 20-, 50-, 100-, and 5,000-som banknotes in 2009, all of which were produced by the French security printer, Oberthur Technologies, without imprint. On 1 December 2010 the bank issued 200-, 500-, and 1,000-som (US$4.25, 10.70, and 21.40, respectively) notes printed by De La Rue. These denominations complete the fourth issues from the Kyrgyz Republic’s central bank. More info can be found here.



B126 (PNL): 200 som (US$4.25)
Yellow. Front: Poet and playwright Alykul Osmonov; relief image of the sun and waves. Back: Lines from Osmonov’s “Jenishbek” about Lake Issyk-Kul. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 200 COM. Watermark: Alykul Osmonov with electrotype 200. Printer: (TDLR). 138 x 66 mm. 2010. Signature 4. Intro: 01.12.2010.


B127 (PNL): 500 som (US$10.20)
Violet. Front: “Manas” storyteller Sayakbai Karalaev. Back: Mausoleum of Manas; mountains. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 500 COM. Watermark: Sayakbai Karalaev with electrotype 500. Printer: (TDLR). 144 x 68 mm. 2010. Signature 4. Intro: 01.12.2010.


B128 (PNL): 1,000 som (US$21.40)
Gray-green. Front: Poet Jusup Balasagyn. Back: Takhti Sulaiman, ancient architectural monument; Sulaiman Mountain. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized 1000 COM. Watermark: Jusup Balasagyn with electrotype 1000. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 71 mm. 2010. Signature 4. Intro: 01.12.2010.

Courtesy of Ömer Yalcinkaya, Leszek Porowski and Cleo Phas.

Tajikistan new 3-, 200-, and 500-somoni notes confirmed


3 somoni (US$0.70)
Violet. Front: Coat of arms; open book with pen; Shirinsho Shotemur, hero statesman. Back: Majlisi Oli (parliament) building in Dushanbe; flag. Windowed security thread with demetalized БМТ. Watermark: Shirinsho Shotemur. Printer: Unknown. 141 x 65 mm. 2010. Signature 3. Intro: 10.09.2010.


200 somoni (US$45.65)
Brown and yellow. Front: Coat of arms; building with red flag; Nusratullo Makhsum, hero statesman. Back: National Library building in Dushanbe; ink well, quill, and candlestick; flag. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized БМТ. Watermark: Nusratullo Makhsum. Printer: Unknown. 159 x 68 mm. 2010. Signature 3. Intro: 10.09.2010.


500 somoni (US$114)
Purple and gray. Front: Coat of arms; Abuabdullo Rudaki, founder of Tajik classic literature. Back: Palace of Nations in Dushanbe; flag. Holographic stripe. Windowed security thread with demetalized БМТ. Watermark: Abuabdullo Rudaki. Printer: Unknown. 162 x 71 mm. 2010. Signature 3. Intro: 10.09.2010.

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson, Claudio Marana, Vitali Khaletski, and Alexander Petrov.

Russia to issue new 5,000-ruble note in 2011 with new ruble symbol

According to an article on AdIndex.ru dated 01.11.2010, Russia’s central bank hopes to finalize a new symbol for its currency, the ruble, and introduce a revised 5,000-ruble (US$164) note in 2011.

Reviving regional currencies in Russia

Paul Goble, a longtime specialist on ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia, has posted an interesting article on his Window on Eurasia blog, Primorsky Kray Deputies Suggest Reviving a Regional Currency, in which he discusses the possibility of Russian regions issuing their own local currencies, and covers historical examples of such issuances following the fall of the Soviet Union.

Courtesy of Valts Mikelsons.

Book review: Apples Are From Kazakhstan


Apples Are From Kazakhstan:: The Land that Disappeared by Christopher Robbins (Order from Amazon.com)

This 296-page paperback book is a fascinating look at a country most Westerners barely know. The English author Robbins does a wonderful job of weaving his personal experiences in this former Soviet republic with rich historical background, from ancient times to repression under Russian rule in the last century. Of particular interest to banknote collectors is the chapter in which Robbins recounts the secret—and ultimately successful—plan to introduce tenge banknotes in 1993 to avoid being at the mercy of Moscow when it replaced the Soviet ruble with the new Russian ruble.

Check out other book reviews and news on the Books page of this site.

Tajikistan new variety 1-somoni note confirmed



1 somoni (US$0.20), 1999.
On earlier notes the globe at center front is green and orange (P14a, left), but on later notes, the globe is all green (right).

Courtesy of Alexander Petrov.

Kazakhstan new 1,000-tenge commemorative note (B135a) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2010.00.00_B135a_P35_AA_0301692_fKazakhstan_NBK_1000_tenge_2010.00.00_B135a_P35_AA_0301692_r
The National Bank of Kazakhstan issued a new 1,000-tenge note on 5 January 2010 to commemorate Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in 2010.

A total of 10 million notes will be issued at face value (US$6.75). The note dated 2010 is the same size (134 x 70 mm) as the current note of the same denomination, though the color is now turquoise-green, and the designs are as follows:


Obverse: State Emblem of the Republic of Kazakhstan in left upper corner, decorative image of flying birds in national style, face value in Kazakh language in the center, motives of Kazakh national patterns along the banknote, holographic image of Baiterek monument , color-changing logo of National Bank of Kazakhstan on the right part

Reverse: State Flag of the Republic in the left lower corner, Akorda palace of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the center with face value in Russian language, image of a bird and year of issue 2010, numerical indication of face value in the left lower part, motives of Kazakh national patterns along the banknote.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko.

Russia to replace 10-ruble note with coin in 2010


On 31 October 2006, the Bank of Russia announced that it intends to replace all 10-ruble (Pick 273, US$0.37) banknotes with coins. “Coins serve longer than banknotes,” explained deputy chairman Georgy Luntovsky. Coins can circulate for 10 to 15 years, while 10- and 50-ruble notes have a lifetime of approximately half a year.

On 22 October 2009, the bank announced that it would stop issuing 10-ruble (US$0.35) banknotes in 2010 because they wear out quickly and are too expensive to produce. The notes will be replaced by a coin.

Courtesy of Mikhail Istomin.

Uzbekistan unissued 25-som note dated 1994 confirmed

The following 25-som note from Uzbekistan is dated 1994 and depicts the Kazi-Zadé Rumi mausoleum in the Shakhi-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand, which also appears on the issued note of the same denomination (B207). However, the note with the specimen serial number of AB1234567 is printed on smaller (120 x 62 mm versus 144 x 68 mm) paper than the issued note. The paper has the same star pattern watermark and solid security thread as the 1- and 3-som notes (B203, B204).

This appears to be an unissued design, but anyone with additional information is encouraged to share. I’m especially interested to learn if there are other unadopted designs for this series of notes.





Courtesy of Peter Kelly.

Kyrgyzstan issues new notes on 1 July 2009

New 20-, 50-, and 100-som banknotes were introduced by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic on 1 July 2009.

According to the assistant president of the Kyrgyz National Bank, Zair Chokoev, “We retained the style of our banknotes but tried to make them more convenient. Notes of the third series were too large and inconvenient to use. And we decided to reduce their size,” Zair Chokoev said. The new fourth series will slowly replace the notes of the third series.


B123 (PNL): 20 som (US$0.45)
Red. Front: Writer, poet, and educator Togolok Moldo. Back: Tash-Rabat. Windowed security thread with demetalized 20 COM. Watermark: Togolok Moldo. Printer: (OT). 120 x 58 mm. 2009. Signature 4. Intro: 01.07.2009.


B124 (PNL): 50 som (US$1.15)
Orange. Front: Czarina Kurmanjan datka (Alai Tsaritsa). Back: 11th-century Uzgen architectural complex with minaret and mausoleum. Windowed security thread with demetalized 50 COM. Watermark: Kurmanjan datka. Printer: (OT). 126 x 61 mm. 2009. Signature 4. Intro: 01.07.2009.


B125 (PNL): 100 som (US$2.30)
Blue. Front: Toktogul Satylganov. Back: Toktogul hydroelectric power station. Windowed security thread with demetalized 100 COM. Watermark: Toktogul Satylganov with electrotype 100. Printer: (OT). 132 x 63 mm. 2009. Signature 4. Intro: 01.07.2009.

Courtesy of Vadim Tislenko.

Kyrgyzstan new 5,000-som note confirmed


The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic introduced a 5,000-som note (US$122) on 2 March 2009. The front of the note features a portrait of actor, writer, and sportsman Suimenkul Chokmorov. On the back is Ala-Too, one of the oldest cinemas of the capital city of Bishkek. Previously the largest denomination was the 1,000-som note issued in 2000.

Courtesy of Cleophas Elmakias Schockemohle and Peter Kelly.

Russian banknote reportedly depicts death camp

According to a Mosnews.com article dated May 22, 2009, “elderly residents of the city of Archangelsk, North Russia, have asked the Minister of Finance, Alexei Kudrin, to change the image on the 500-ruble banknote (Pick 271, shown below), which they claim is a picture of a Soviet death camp. The note carries an image of the Solovetsky Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site. However, in the Soviet era between 1926 and 1938 the crosses were removed from the buildings and the site was used as a special prison and a gulag prototype.”

“We all understand that they just wanted to depict one of the most beautiful sights of our city, the famous Solovetsky Monastery, but they have accidentally depicted the Solovetsky death camp,” 72-year-old Arkhangelsk resident Vasily Fedotov said.



“If you look at the [back of the] banknote closely you will notice that the holy crosses, which usually top Orthodox churches, are only seen on one golden dome in the picture. This means that the artist has painted the death camp. Our banknote is the only note in the world with a picture of a World War II concentration camp. Our feelings are hurt. We feel pain for veterans and for the people who died in these damned death camps. I hope that Alexei Kudrin will hear our prayers and change the picture,” he added.

Turkmenistan new notes dated 2009 confirmed

On January 1, 2009, the Central Bank of Turkmenistan issued a new series of notes printed by Thomas De La Rue, which has printed Turkmenistan currency since independence in 1991. The new notes bear images of prominent figures of the Turkmen nation and architectural compositions of Ashgabat. The government revalued its currency in conjunction with the introduction of the new notes. Prior to the revaluation, the official exchange rate was 5,000 manats to the US dollar, with the black market rate almost five times that. The new manat is equal to 50 of the “old” manat.


TMB B15 (P22): 1 manat (US$0.35)
Green. Front: Map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Togrul Beg Türkmen. Back: Beyik Saparmyrat Türkmenbasynyň Milli Medeniyet Merkezi (National Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan) buildings; five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and solid security thread with demetalized 1TMB. Watermark: Togrul Beg Türkmen; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 1; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 120 x 60 mm.
a. 2009. Signature 4. Intro: 01.01.2009.


TMB B16 (P23): 5 manat (US$1.75)
Tan. Front: Map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Soltan Sansar Türkmen. Back: Buildings; Garassyzlyk Binasy and Bitaraplyk Binasy (Independence Monument and Neutrality Arch in Ashgabat); five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and solid security thread with demetalized 5TMB. Watermark: Soltan Sansar Türkmen; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 5; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 126 x 63 mm.
a. 2009. Signature 4. Intro: 01.01.2009.


TMB B17 (P24): 10 manat (US$3.50)
Red. Front: Map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Magtymguly Pyragy. Back: Türkmenistanyň Merkezi Banky (Turkmenistan central bank) headquarters building; five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 10 MANAT. Watermark: Magtymguly Pyragy; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 10; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 132 x 66 mm.
a. 2009. Signature 4. Intro: 01.01.2009.


TMB B18 (P25): 20 manat (US$7)
Purple. Front: Map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Görogly Beg Türkmen. Back: Ruhyyet Köşgi (Ruhyyet Palace) building; five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 20 MANAT. Watermark: Görogly Beg Türkmen; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 20; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 138 x 69 mm.
a. 2009. Signature 4. Intro: 01.01.2009.


TMB B19 (P26): 50 manat (US$18)
Green. Front: Holographic patch; map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Gorkut Ata Türkmen. Back: Türkmenistanyň Mejlisi (Turkmenistan National Assembly in Ashkhabat) building; five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 50 MANAT. Watermark: Gorkut Ata Türkmen; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 50; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 144 x 72 mm.
a. 2009. Signature 4. Intro: 01.01.2009.


TMB B20 (P27): 100 manat (US$35)
Blue. Front: Holographic patch; map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; Oguz Han Türkmen. Back: Prezident Köşgi (Palace of Turkmenbashi in Ashgabat) building; five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 100 MANAT. Watermark: Oguz Han Türkmen; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 100; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 150 x 75 mm.
a. 2009. Signature 4. Intro: 01.01.2009.


TMB B21 (P28): 500 manat (US$175)
Orange. Front: Holographic patch; map of Turkmenistan; coat of arms; President Saparmurat Niyazov. Back: Kipchak mosque in Ashgabat; five stars and crescent moon. Solid security thread and windowed security thread with demetalized 500 MANAT. Watermark: President Saparmurat Niyazov; electrotype five stars, crescent moon, and 500; Cornerstones. Printer: (TDLR). 156 x 78 mm.
s. 2009. Signature 4. Unissued. A specimen was prepared, but this denomination never went into production.

Courtesy of Dmitriy Litvak.

Kazakhstan new 5,000-tenge commemorative note (B134a) confirmed

Kazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2008.00.00_B134a_P34a_AA_9178284_fKazakhstan_NBK_5000_tenge_2008.00.00_B134a_P34a_AA_9178284_r
5,000 tenge (US$41.30), 2008. Introduced 2008 to commemorate 15 years of tenge. Red and brown on m/c underprint. Front: Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag; green-to-blue Spark flying eagle; jubilee inscription at edges. Back: Independence Monument and Kazakhstan hotel in Almaty; mountains. Watermark, windowed security thread, registration device, intaglio printing, OVI, microprinting, fluorescent serial numbers, iridescent ink, latent image of denomination, and pink fibers that fluoresce red under UV light. Printer: De La Rue (w/o imprint). 144 x 76 mm.

Also available as a specimen with all-zero serial numbers, red diagonal SPECIMEN overprint, numbered in the lower right-hand front corner.

Kazakhstan new 100-, 200-, and 500-tenge notes (B113b, B121a, B122a) confirmed



There are two different 100-tenge notes dated 1993. The original (B113a, top left) was issued in 1993. It features an intaglio rosette in the upper left corner of the front of the note. There is a second variety also dated 1993 (B113b, top right), but issued in 2001. It has the rosette in OVI.

There are two different 200-tenge notes dated 1999. The original (B119a, middle left) was issued in 2000. It features the denomination embossed on a rosette in the lower right corner of the front of the note. There is a second variety (B120a, middle right) also dated 1999, but issued in 2002. It has a latent image instead of embossing, and a different background design to the right of the portrait.

There are two different 500-tenge notes dated 1999. The original (B121a, bottom left) was issued in 2000. It features the denomination embossed on a rosette in the lower right corner of the front of the note. There is a second variety (B122a, bottom right) also dated 1999, but issued in 2002. It has a latent image instead of embossing, and a different background design to the right of the portrait.

Courtesy of Eduard Han.

Kazakhstan issues new note series

Today the National Bank of Kazakhstan began issuing a new series of notes. This completely redesigned series share similar design elements on front (vertical format) and back (horizontal), distinguished primarily by different color schemes and printed denominations. The previous series (Pick 20 - 27) featuring a portrait of Al-Farabi will circulate in parallel with the new series for a period of one year.

The front of each note features the Astan-Baiterek monument in center, with a fragment of printed music of the national anthem overprinted with the numerical denomination. National emblem at left, along with an opened palm, and flag at right. The back of each note features a different main image within the outline of Kazakhstan’s boundaries.

The following security features appear on all notes: watermark, metallic windowed security thread, registration device, intaglio printing, OVI, microprinting, fluorescent serial numbers, iridescent ink, latent image of denomination, and pink fibers that fluoresce red under UV light.


200 tenge, 2006. Orange and green. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Transport and Communication Ministry building; winged statue on bridge over river Ishim in Astana; Ministry of Defense building; steppe. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 200 and text. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 200 and deer. Printer: (BFoNBK). 126 x 64 mm.


500 tenge, 2006. Blue and gray. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Ministry of Finance building; Astana city hall; gulls over the sea. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 500 and text. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 500 and animal lying down. Printer: (BFoNBK). 130 x 67 mm.


1,000 tenge, 2006. Yellow and brown on m/c underprint. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Presidential Culture Center building; mesas. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 1000 ТЕҢГЕ and ornament. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 1000 and camel. Printer: (BFoNBK). 134 x 70 mm.


2,000 tenge, 2006. Green and blue. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Abai Opera-House building in Almaty; mountain lake. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 2000 and text along scrolling line. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 2000. Printer: (TDLR and BFoNBK). 139 x 73 mm.



5,000 tenge, 2006. Red and brown. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Independence Monument and Kazakhstan hotel in Almaty; mountains. Solid security thread. Windowed security thread with demetalized 5000 ТЕҢГЕ and ornament. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 5000. Printer: (TDLR and BFoNBK). 144 x 76 mm.


10,000 tenge, 2006. Violet and blue. Front (vertical): Astana-Baiterek monument; sheet music; national emblem; palm; flag. Back: Akorda Palace (the presidential residence in Astana); canyons. Optiks security thread. Solid security thread. Watermark: Snow leopard with electrotype 10000 and elk. Printer: (TDLR and BFoNBK). 149 x 79 mm.

All notes have the same watermark of a leopard head, along with electrotype denomination and different animals (such as the camel shown here).



Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko and Eduard Han.


Kazakhstan’s new note series misspells “bank”


Officials at the National Bank of Kazakhstan admit that there’s a problem with the new series of notes issued on November 15. The word “bank” on some of the new notes is misspelled with an alternate Kazakh form of the letter K (above, top), not the Cyrillic version (above, bottom), which has a slightly different pronunciation. Despite politicians’ calls to scrap the new issue, bank officials plan to release the error notes and then gradually withdraw them from circulation.

This error affects only some 2,000- and 5,000-tenge notes, and not the other denominations in this new series. Curiously, the misspelled “bank” appears on both sides of the KZT2,000 (US$15.65), but only on the face of the KZT5,000 (US$39.10).

Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko and Eduard Han.

Russia issues new 5,000-ruble note dated 1997 (Pick 278)


5,000 rubles, 1997. Issued July 31, 2006. Red and brown. Statesman Nikolay Nikolayevich Muravyov-Amursky’s Monument in Khabarovsk at center with commercial ship in background; his bust as wmk. Automobile bridge across Amur River (the border between Russia and China negotiated by Muravyov) on back. Denomination appears in microperforations. Windowed security thread. Khabarovsk coat of arms in crimson to golden green OVI. Microprinting: “CBRF,” silhouettes of tigers, bears, fish, and trees. 157 x 69 mm.
 
Courtesy of Mikhail Istomin.