2018-10-25 Thu

Abkhazia is recognised as an independent country only by five of the UN’s 193 members. However, on 17th September, the National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia introduced the country’s first banknotes in the form of a commemorative note depicting the first president, Vladislav Arynba. The 500 apsars note celebrates the 25th anniversary of victory in the Patriotic War of the Abkhazian People which was fought between 1992 and 1993. The note apparently has a value of $76.

Located in the northwest corner of Georgia, Abkhazia fought against Georgia in 1992 and 1993 and became independent in 1999. Russia considered it to be an independent state after the Georgian-Russian war of 2008. However, Georgia declared Abkhazia to be occupied by Russia. Since then, the Russian ruble has been in circulation.

The new note, coloured in shades of brown and green, is made of cotton-paper. Apart from the portrait of President Arynba, the obverse also features two soldiers and the national flag. Other design elements include a traditional Abkhazian ornament, seven stars from the state flag and the state emblem.

The reverse features a traditional ornament, a map of the state, an emblem with a fortress tower and a legend that translates as “May Abkhazia reach completion.” A QR code links to the bank’s website that has a description of the note’s security features. 10,000 pieces are being printed, but none of them will be circulated.

Image Courtesy: The National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia