Belarus

Belarus new 5- and 10-ruble notes (B144 and B145) confirmed introduced 20.05.2019

These new 5- and 10-ruble notes introduced on 20 May 2019 are like the preceding issues, but dated 2019, without signatures, printed by Goznak, with additional watermark features and wider security threads.

Belarus_NBRB_5_rubles_2019.00.00_B144a_PNL_TA_4403280_f
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Courtesy of Ivan Bogdanov (bonistics.org) and Thomas Augustsson.

Belarus new 5- and 10-ruble notes reported for 20.05.2019 introduction

According to a press release dated 30 April 2019, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus plans to introduce new 5- and 10-ruble notes on 20 May 2019. The new notes are like the preceding issues, but dated 2019, without signatures, printed by Goznak, with additional watermark features and wider security threads.

Courtesy of Ivan Bogdanov.

Belarus announces modified notes to be introduced in 2019 and 2020

According to a press release dated 20 September 2018, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus announced modifications to banknotes to be introduced in 2019 and 2020. They will retain the basic design, color, and size of existing issues, but the 50-ruble note will have its denomination spelled in accordance to modern Belarusian spelling rules, and all notes will have captions added to identify architectural features and dates reflecting their introduction (2019 for 5 and 10 rubles; 2020 for 20 and 50 rubles).

Courtesy fo Богданов Иван (http://bonistics.org).

Press release: The Banknote Register 2nd edition

The Banknote Register 2nd editionbr-photo2
The Banknote Register: CIS and Baltic Countries
1991-2016, General Issues
Second edition (English)

Author: Dmitry Zagorenko (IBNS #11608, General Secretary of the Russian Chapter of IBNS).
Editor: Dmitry Litvak (IBNS LM #204, President of the Russian Chapter of IBNS).
Format: A4. Weight: 1,5 Kg.
Hard cover with pressed gilding and book jacket band.
344 full-color pages (paper 115 g/m2).
16 Chapters (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Transnistria, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Estonia).
Edition: 1000 pieces.

The Banknote Register provides the most detailed information on all emissions of paper money in post-Soviet countries from 1991 to present. It describes the history of money circulation establishment and development in the new sovereign states. The book gives detailed information on each banknote, variations and types, commemorative and souvenir issues, security features, designers, signatories, serial prefixes, images portrayed on the notes. It will be no exaggeration to say that the author with the help of collectors and staff of national banks has compiled the best known up to now data, many of which will be published for the first time, and also data unknown to many collectors. This work has resulted in compilation and classification of the most complete information on currency circulation in the post-Soviet countries.

The publication of the Register will, for sure, reduce the number of blank spaces in the history of circulation in CIS and Baltic states. Nevertheless, the author continues searching for materials and communicating with paper money collectors, museum workers, designers and bank specialists and laymen. We hope that the Register of Banknotes of CIS and Baltic Countries will encourage you as well to study actively the currency circulation in the post-Soviet countries.

Promo-video: https://youtu.be/O33FxdonxS0
Official website: http://banknote-register.com

For a $7 discount off the list price of $62, use the coupon code "BanknoteBook" when ordering the book by email. Registered shipment to any country in the world is $22, so the total discounted cost is only US$77.

Belarus new 20-ruble variety (B139b) confirmed

Belarus_NBRB_20_rubles_2009.00.00_B139a_PNL_CI_6891320_fBelarus_NBRB_20_rubles_2009.00.00_B139b_PNL_CT_1636587_f
B139b: Like B139a, but with wider gap through center of latent image parallelogram (at center right front). There are also differences in the number of wavy lines in the lower portion of the parallelogram.

Courtesy of Maksim Kazakov.

Belarus new 5-ruble variety (B137b) confirmed

Belarus_NBRB_5_rubles_2009.00.00_B137a_PNL_AE_3234157_fBelarus_NBRB_5_rubles_2009.00.00_B137b_PNL_AT_9490494_f
B137b: Like B137a, but no gap to left of latent image parallelogram (at center right front).

Courtesy of Maksim Kazakov.

Belarus new ruble family confirmed introduced 01.07.2016

The Belarusian ruble was redenominated per an Edict of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 450 dated 4 November 2015, with existing notes (called the 2000 series) exchanged for new ones (called the 2009 series) at a rate of 10,000:1. A total of seven denominations of banknotes–5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 rubles–and eight denominations of coins–1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 copecks, and 1 and 2 rubles–were introduced on 1 July 2016.
The general concept of the new notes is “Belarus is my country,” with each denomination dedicated to one of the regions of Belarus and the city of Minsk: 5 rubles dedicated to Brest region, 10 rubles to Vitebsk region, 20 rubles to Gomel region, 50 rubles to Grodno region, 100 rubles to Minsk region, 200 rubles to Mogilev region, and 500 rubles to the city of Minsk.
From 1 July 2016 to 31 December 2016, the banknotes of the 2000 series and the banknotes and coins of the 2009 series circulate in parallel and are subject to obligatory acceptance without restriction in all kinds of payments performed by all economic entities. During the next five years–from 1 January 2017 through 31 December 2021–the currency units of the 2000 series will be exchanged for the currency units of the 2009 series in any sum without restriction and charging commission, after which time the 2000 series will be deemed invalid and demonetized.
The redenomination was taken with a view to improving money circulation, streamlining accounting and settlements, maintaining the optimal structure of money denominations, as well as reducing public expenditures on servicing cash circulation in the Republic of Belarus to a significant degree.
The National Bank of the Republic of Belarus ordered the “new” notes from De La Rue in 2008, but due to the global economic crisis of the time, the redenomination was postponed and the freshly printed notes were stored in the bank’s vaults. As such, the notes to be issued in 2016 bear the series date of 2009 and the facsimile signature of Petr P. Prokopovich, the then chairman of the board of the bank. Also, the new 50-ruble note carries an inscription which is inconsistent with currently applicable Belarusian spelling rules. These inconsistencies will be addressed as new notes are ordered from the printer.

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Belarus_NBRB_10_rubles_2009.00.00_B138a_PNL_BE_8882415_f
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Belarus_NBRB_20_rubles_2009.00.00_B139a_PNL_CX_2646527_f
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Belarus_NBRB_50_rubles_2009.00.00_B140a_PNL_HM_8090918_f
Belarus_NBRB_50_rubles_2009.00.00_B140a_PNL_HM_8090918_r

Belarus_NBRB_100_rubles_2009.00.00_B141as_PNL_EK_7071189_f
Belarus_NBRB_100_rubles_2009.00.00_B141as_PNL_EK_7071189_r

Belarus_NBRB_200_rubles_2009.00.00_B142as_PNL_KB_2635237_f
Belarus_NBRB_200_rubles_2009.00.00_B142as_PNL_KB_2635237_r

Belarus_NBRB_500_rubles_2009.00.00_B143as_PNL_MK_7572880_f
Belarus_NBRB_500_rubles_2009.00.00_B143as_PNL_MK_7572880_r

Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson, Vitali Khaletski, Cleo Phas, Albert Vokhmin, and Александр Чижевский.

Belarus new redenominated notes (B137 - B143) reported for 01.07.2016 introduction

According to a press release dated 5 November 2015, the Belarusian ruble will be redenominated per an Edict of the President of the Republic of Belarus No.450 dated 4 November 2015. Existing notes (called the 2000 series) will be exchanged for new ones (called the 2009 series) at a rate of 10,000:1. A total of seven denominations of banknotes–5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 rubles–and eight denominations of coins–1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 copecks, and 1 and 2 rubles–will be be introduced on 1 July 2016.
The general concept of the new notes is “Belarus is my country,” with each denomination dedicated to one of the regions of Belarus and the city of Minsk: 5 rubles dedicated to Brest region, 10 rubles to Vitebsk region, 20 rubles to Gomel region, 50 rubles to Grodno region, 100 rubles to Minsk region, 200 rubles to Mogilev region, and 500 rubles to the city of Minsk.
From 1 July 2016 to 31 December 2016, the banknotes of the 2000 series and the banknotes and coins of the 2009 series will be in parallel circulation and subject to obligatory acceptance without restriction in all kinds of payments performed by all economic entities. During the next five years–from 1 January 2017 through 31 December 2021–the currency units of the 2000 series will be exchanged for the currency units of the 2009 series in any sum without restriction and charging commission, after which time the 2000 series will be deemed invalid and demonetized.
The redenomination was taken with a view to improving money circulation, streamlining accounting and settlements, maintaining the optimal structure of money denominations, as well as reducing public expenditures on servicing cash circulation in the Republic of Belarus to a significant degree.
The National Bank of the Republic of Belarus ordered the “new” notes in 2008, but due to the global economic crisis of the time, the redenomination was postponed and the freshly printed notes were stored in the bank’s vaults. As such, the notes to be issued in 2016 bear the series date of 2009 and the facsimile signature of Petr P. Prokopovich, the then chairman of the board of the bank. Also, the new 50-ruble note carries an inscription which is inconsistent with currently applicable Belarusian spelling rules. These inconsistencies will be addressed as new notes are ordered from the printer.

Belarus_NBRB_5_rubles_2009.00.00_B137as_PNL_AB_0123456_f
Belarus_NBRB_5_rubles_2009.00.00_B137as_PNL_AB_0123456_r

Belarus_NBRB_10_rubles_2009.00.00_B138as_PNL_AB_0123456_f
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Belarus_NBRB_50_rubles_2009.00.00_B140as_PNL_AB_0123456_f
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Belarus new 500,000-ruble note under consideration

According to an article on Belarusian News dated 20 January 2015, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus is considering introducing a 500,000-ruble banknote. “The final decision will be made taking into account the current economic situation and will be announced by the National Bank in advance,” the bank said.

Belarus 50-ruble notes to be withdrawn on 01.06.2015

According to a press release dated 22 September 2014, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus will withdraw 50-ruble notes dated 2000 (NBRB B25 and B34) on 1 June 2015.

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Belarus new 100,000-ruble variety confirmed

Belarus_NBRB_100000_rubles_2000.00.00_B33a_P34_diff
100,000 rubles, 2000. Like NBRB B33a (top), but with Orthodox crosses atop towers on back replaced (B33b, bottom).

Courtesy of Albert Vokhmin.

Belarus rumored to have printed new notes in advance of redenomination

According to a report on Forex.co dated 8 April 2014, Aleksander Lukashenko, president of Belarus, is said to have told the employees of an aircraft repair plant in Baranovichi that the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus has already printed a new family of banknotes resembling euros. The new notes are reportedly in storage, ready to be issued after redenominating the Belarusian ruble, expected sometime in 2014.

Belarus currency prank at checkout

Here’s a funny video of a bunch of young men in Minsk, Belarus paying for Russian Kvas drinks with a backpack full of practically worthless banknotes.



Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson.

Belarus 50,000-ruble note contains error in microprinting



According to a Belarus Partisan article dated 23 February 2012, the 50,000-ruble (US$6.10) note which depicts Mir Castle has an error in the microprinting above the serial number at upper right on the back. If written properly in Belarusian, the name of Mir Castle should read МІРСКІ ЗАМАК (as it is written in large type in the caption on the front, as well as in the mircorprinted rectangle below the denomination at upper left on the front), but instead the text is written МИРСКІ ЗАМАК. Officials at the KGB and the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus claim that this is an intentional error intended to trip up counterfeiters, which may be true. Then again, it’s possible that the Russian engravers at Goznak simply made a mistake that has gone undetected for a decade.

This “error” appears on both the original 50,000-ruble note (NBRB B32 / P32) issued in 2002 with solid security thread, as well as on the modified note (NBRB B35 / PNL) issued in 2010 with windowed security thread.

Use Google Translate if you can’t read the article in its native language.

Courtesy of Vitali Khaletski.



Belarus banknote history examined

Check out this great article on the history of banknotes in Belarus, including images of many unadopted note designs.

This follow-up to the first article includes even more images of many unadopted note designs.

Use Google Translate if you can’t read these articles in their native language.

Courtesy of Vitali Khaletski.

Belarus new 200,000-ruble note confirmed

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According to a press release dated 12 March 2012, the National Bank of Belarus has issued a new 200,000-ruble (US$24.15) note. This denomination is twice as large as the previous biggest note in Belarus.

The new 200,000-ruble note is predominently green and measures 150 x 74 mm. The front depicts the Mogilev Regional Art Museum, and the back illustrates a decorative collage of architectural elements of the museum building. The note has a windowed security thread with demetalized text, and a watermark of fragments of the stucco ceiling of the museum with electrotype bank initials. Furthermore, there is a color latent image.

The bank has also proposed withdrawing 10- and 20-ruble notes, and rounding prices to the nearest 50 ruble. Also, it has not ruled out issuing even larger denominations if needed. In an article in the Telegraf dated 13 March 2012, deputy head of the National Bank Vladimir Senko said there's no need to revalue the currency at this time.



Courtesy of Thomas Krause and Богданов Иван/Ivan Bogdanov (http://bonistics.org/banknote/100685/).

Belarus chairperson discusses new denominations and currency revaluation

According to a Charter 97 article dated 16 December 2011, “I think that there will be no denomination [currency revaluation] next year. I cannot tell for sure,” stated Nadzeja Yermakova, the chairperson of the board of the National Bank of Belarus (NBB).

The bank is planning to issue a new 200,000-ruble (US$24) note, but when asked about larger denominations, including 500,000- and 1,000,000-ruble notes, Yermakova claimed that there are no such plans and said that if such high denominations were needed, it would be better to revalue the currency by removing several zeroes.

Even though they are worth less than a penny, Yermakova maintained that the 50- and 100-ruble banknotes are still needed, though she admited that the 10- and 20-ruble notes are “outdated.”

Belarus chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 15-page catalog covers notes issued by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus from 1992 to present. Revised 26 July 2016.

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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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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Belarus expected to issue 200,000-ruble note in 2012

According to a statement given by Chairman Nadezhda Ermakova on 20 October 2011, the National Bank of Belarus plans to issue a new 200,000-ruble (US$21.35) note in early 2012. The note will feature Belarusian architecture works. Additionally, the bank plans to withdraw 10- and 20-ruble notes and round off prices to the nearest 50 rubles.

Courtesy of Vitali Khaletski.

Belarus new 500-ruble variety confirmed


500 rubles (US$0.10), 2000. Like P27, but with 2-mm wide windowed thread. Intro: 15.03.2011.

Courtesy of Ivan Bogdanov (http://bonistics.org).

Belarus new 100- and 5,000-ruble notes confirmed




According to a press release, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus introduced new 100-ruble (US$0.02) and 5,000-ruble (US$1) banknotes dated 2000. Both denominations retain their current designs (P26 and P29, respectively). The solid security thread is eliminated from the 100-ruble note as a cost-saving measure, whereas the 5,000-ruble note saw its security thread changed to a windowed thread with demetalized НБРБ, to strengthen its counterfeiting deterrence. The existing notes of the same denominations remain legal tender.

Courtesy of Vitali Khaletski, Didier Wiot, and Ivan Bogdanov (http://bonistics.org).

Belarus new 1,000-, 10,000- and 20,000-ruble varieties confirmed






On 15 March 2011, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus introduced new 500-ruble (US$0.15) banknotes, as well as 1,000-, 10,000-, and 20,000-ruble notes dated 2000. The modified notes have the same images, sizes, and colors as preceding issues also dated 2000, but feature a new 2-mm wide windowed security thread.

Courtesy of Vitali Khaletski, Elena Zoubarik, and Ivan Bogdanov (http://bonistics.org).

Belarus new 50- and 50,000-ruble notes confirmed

On 29 December 2010, the National Bank of Belarus introduced new 50- and 50,000-ruble banknotes to bring the inscriptions on the notes into compliance with the new rules of Belarusian spelling and punctuation. The images, colors, and sizes of the notes remain consistent with the preceding issues of the same denominations dated 2000 (P25 and P32, respectively) which circulate in parallel.

The modified 50-ruble notes have the following differences: no security thread and the spelling of the word ПЯЦДЗЯСЯТ instead of ПЯЦДЗЕСЯТ.



The modified 50,000-ruble notes have replaced the solid security thread for a 2-mm wide windowed security thread. In addition, it has the changed spelling of ПЯЦДЗЯСЯТ instead of ПЯЦДЗЕСЯТ.



Courtesy of Vitali Khaletsk, Rui Manuel Palhares, and banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Belarus new 20,000-ruble commemorative confirmed


According to a press release dated 18 November 2010, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus commemorated its 20th anniversary by issuing a 20,000-ruble (US$6.60) note on 1 December. Only 3,000 notes will be issued in special booklets. The commemorative is based upon the note of the same denomination issued in 2000 (Pick 31), but with a hologram over the watermark reading "NB 1920 1991-2011."

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Belarus language changes create errors on old notes


According to an article on the Belarus Partisan dated 05.11.2010, on 1 September 2010, new rules of Belarusian orthography came into force. According to the old rules, the correct spelling of the word “fifty” in Belarusian was “пяцьдзЕсят,” but under the new rules, it should be spelled “пяцьдзЯсят,” the difference being that the seventh character was the Cyrillic letter IE but is now the Cyrillic letter YA. As a result of these new rules, the existing 50- and 50,000-ruble notes (Pick 25 and Pick 32, respectively) dated 2000 now technically contain errors where the denominations are spelled out on the backs of the notes. Belarus National Bank intends to correct these spelling errors when it issues new versions of these denominations, but there is no word yet on when that may be.

Courtesy of Vitali Khaletski.