The official information 

of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic 

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with the Constitutional Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic” introduces into circulation the new banknotes in denominations of 20, 50 and 100 Som of fifth series of the national currency from February 15, 2024. 

The principal design of new banknotes of the national currency remain a reflection of the historical and cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan and are unchanged. The portraits of representatives of art and culture have been preserved on the front of the banknotes and notable sides of the republic on the reverse. The main color and size of banknotes also remained unchanged. 

The new Kyrgyz banknotes contain three levels of security features that provide reliable protection for the public against counterfeiting. 

Banknotes of the fifth series will be put into circulation gradually as part of the planned replenishment of banknote stocks as the stocks of banknotes of the previous series are depleted. 

All national banknotes are legal tender in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic and are subject to mandatory acceptance regardless of the year of issue. 

Security features of new 2023 banknotes in denominations of 

20, 50 and 100 Som 

1. WATERMARK. Look for the multi-tonal portrait combined with numbers, visible when held to the light.  

2. SECURITY THREAD visible as a broken line, and when viewed against the light it is a continuous line. Tilt the note to see a rapid movement up and down the thread’s background and the diamond-shaped logo of the National Bank pulsate. 

3. SEE-THROUGH IMAGE. Look for the patterns on the front and reverse sides of the banknote complete a pattern of diamonds when held to the light.  

4. RAISED INK. Feel the raised ink on the portrait, signature and denomination. 

5. LATENT IMAGE. Tilt the note to see the C in a rainbow colour stand out from the background.  

6. COLOUR-SHIFTING INK (only on the 100 Som banknote). The pattern is shifting from gold to jade, and moving double rings can be seen when the note is tilted.  

7. IRIDESCENT STRIPE (on the reverse side). The diamond-shaped logo of the National Bank and the denomination can be seen when the banknote is tilted.