Circulation coins of the Kyrgyz Republic  

Current cash circulation is impossible to imagine without circulation (metal) coins. Introduction of metal money into cash circulation is conditioned by faster wear-out of low-denomination banknotes compared to high-denomination ones, as they are used more often in cash change transactions and when purchasing everyday necessities. Therefore, it is advisable to issue low-denomination banknotes in the form of metal coins, which can withstand significantly greater wear and tear compared to paper banknotes.  

In 2008-2009, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic put into circulation coins of the national currency of the Kyrgyz Republic with denominations of 10, 50 tyiyn and 1, 3, 5 and 10 Som. Meanwhile, the circulation coin of 1 tyiyn denomination was issued as a collection coin.  

Composition of coins  

Coins with denominations of 1, 10 and 50 tyiyn are made of brass-coated steel, while coins with denominations of 1, 3, 5 and 10 Som are made of nickel-coated steel. Each circulation coin has an individual diameter and weight.  

Thematic and artistic content  

The main direction in the plot of the coins with denominations of 1, 10 and 50 tyiyn is a traditional Kyrgyz floral ornament, being among the most famous and beautiful decorative elements that has long been used in Kyrgyz applied art.  

The main idea of the design for the coins with denominations of 1, 3, 5 and 10 Som is the image of a traditional Kyrgyz leather vessel – kookor – for the national drink kumis as a symbol of prosperity and well-being. Each kookor contains an image of tumar – a traditional Kyrgyz talisman.  

The coat of arms of the Kyrgyz Republic and the year of issue are on the reverse side of all coins.

Rounding procedure  

On October 13, 2011, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic adopted the joint resolution “On the procedure for rounding tyiyn balances in cash settlements in the Kyrgyz Republic” No. 631/35/10 (hereinafter referred to as the Rounding procedure) in order to establish the procedure for cash settlements in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as due to cessation of issue and further use of coins with denominations of 1 and 10 tyiyn in all types of cash settlements. The rounding procedure is available on the official website of the National Bank at www.nbkr.kg (About the bank/Normative legal acts of the National Bank/Cash сirculation).

Currently, the circulation coins of the Kyrgyz Republic are available in the following denominations: 50 tyiyn, 1, 3, 5 and 10 Som.  

Official legal tender  

Circulation coins of the national currency of all denominations have the status of the legal tender in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic and are subject to mandatory acceptance as a means of payment at par value.