Development Stages of the National Currency  

Banknotes of 1993 year issue (First Issue)  

The first banknotes of 1, 5, 20 Som denominations and the banknotes of 1, 10, and 50 tyiyn denominations as a small coins were issued in spring 1993.  

Banknotes of 1994–1995 years issue (Second Issue)  

 The second issue of the national currency was followed in 1994-1995 when the banknotes called “the banknotes of the stabilization period” were issued. These banknotes had an improved counterfeit protection than the banknotes of the first issue.  

The banknotes of 1993 year issue were gradually withdrawn from circulation and replaced by the banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Som denominations of 1994–1995 years issue.  

Banknotes of 1997, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005 years issue (Third Issue)  

The third issue of the national currency began in 1997. The banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Som denominations were issued gradually. These banknotes have improved security features comparing with the previous issue. The banknotes of high denomination 200, 500, and 1000 Som were issued in 2000.  

Circulation coins 

 In 2008, the first metal circulation coins in denominations of 10, 50 tyiyn and 1, 3, 5, Som were put in circulation. In 2009, circulation coins in denominations of 10 Som were put in circulation, and in 2014 circulation coins in denominations of 10 Som with lettering edge were put in circulation. 

Banknotes of 2009-2010 years issue (Fourth Issue)  

The fourth series of the national currency was started in 2009 with a new denomination –5000 Som. Then the modified banknotes of 20, 50, 100 and 200, 500, 1000 Som denominations were put in circulation.   

The banknotes of the fourth series have the original design and improved security features.  

Banknotes of the 2016 year issue (Modified banknotes of the Fourth Issue) 

The modified banknotes of the IV series of the 2016 years in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 Soms were issued in 2017-2018. 

The modified banknotes of the IV series of the 2016 years have: 

- Clearly expressed portrait, made by the classical engraved method. 

- Element Mask. The word “coм” appears on the light (except for 20, 50 and 100 Som banknotes). 

- Year of issue: 2016. 

Commemorative banknote in denomination of 2000 Som  

The commemorative banknote issued by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic in celebration of the significant historical events of the country: the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Kyrgyz Republic, 25th anniversary of the establishment of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic and the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the national currency.  

The design of the banknote showcases the Kyrgyz nation from ancient times to the present day through the portrayal of historical, cultural and geological development.  

All banknotes and coins of the national currency are legal tender at the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic and they have to be accepted as legal currency regardless of the issued year.