Part of a broader Belarusian zodiac series issued through the early 2010s, these collector pieces were produced under the National Bank's aggressive commemorative program — a revenue strategy that generated hard currency through foreign collector markets at a time when Belarus faced persistent pressure on its domestic monetary reserves following the 2011 ruble crisis.
The Swarovski crystal inlay was sourced under a licensing arrangement that became common across several Eastern European mints during this period.
Part of a broader Belarusian zodiac series issued through the early 2010s, these collector pieces were produced under the National Bank's aggressive commemorative program — a revenue strategy that generated hard currency through foreign collector markets at a time when Belarus faced persistent pressure on its domestic monetary reserves following the 2011 ruble crisis.
The Swarovski crystal inlay was sourced under a licensing arrangement that became common across several Eastern European mints during this period.