Catalog
1 Som
| Issuer | Kyrgyzstan Banky (National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1993 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | The obverse bears a central vignette of the equestrian statue of Manas the Noble, the legendary hero of the Kyrgyz national epic, set against a guilloche underprint interwoven with traditional Kyrgyz national ornamental motifs. Denomination numerals and issuer inscription appear in Cyrillic lettering, with the value rendered in figures at left and in words at right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse is printed in shades of red and pink, centering on a detailed intaglio vignette of the Manas Mausoleum (Gumbez Manas) in Talas, rendered with fine architectural line work showing its conical tiled spire, corner minarets, and arched portal facade. A broad horizontal guilloche band bisects the note, flanked above and below by geometric and scrollwork underprint patterns, with a decorative rosette at upper right and large denomination numerals at lower right. |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
The 1993 som series was Kyrgyzstan's first national currency, introduced on 10 May 1993 to replace the Soviet ruble following independence. Harrison & Sons, the long-established British security printer, handled production — a common arrangement for newly independent post-Soviet states that lacked domestic printing infrastructure and needed internationally credible notes quickly.
The watermark is the sole security feature on this denomination, reflecting both the modest value and the cost constraints of a country issuing currency for the first time on short notice.