Stages of the National Currency Development 

Banknotes of 1993 year issue (First Series) 

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 Series) 

The second issue of the national currency was followed in 1994-1995 when the banknotes called “the period of formation of public confidence in the national currency” 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The banknotes of 1993 year issue were gradually withdrawn from circulation and replaced by the banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Som denominations of 1994–1995 years issue.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 Series) 

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 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 Series) 

The fourth series of the national currency was started in 2009 with 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 Series) 

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 2016 years issue 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 commemorative banknote has an original design that reflects the history of the formation of the Kyrgyz statehood: from ancient times to the present day and security elements of the latest generation.    

Banknotes of the 2023 year issue (Fifth Series) 

The fifth series of banknotes honoring the 30th Anniversary of the national currency reflect the establishment of the Kyrgyz Som: from the coupon notes with familiar security features to the banknotes with high-level security features and enhanced design.  

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.. 

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.