The National Bank of the Republic of Belarus introduced new 5 and 10 Belarusian Rubles with upgraded security features on 20th May 2019. A new resolution was passed on 24th April 2019 to replace banknotes that were removed from circulation and to improve security features.

The new version will feature an extra watermark along with a bigger security-thread. The "Prospect of the Praylennya" and signature have been excluded from the new design. The architectural images shown on the obverse side are more realistic and their names are also mentioned in the new version. Year date 2009 has been replaced by 2019. Goznak Joint Stock Company has produced new notes. The older version of banknotes that were released in 2009 will continue to be circulated.

The national bank had decided to introduce these design changes in September 2018. Upgraded versions of 20 and 50 Belarusian ruble banknotes will be released in 2020. 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 ruble banknotes, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 kopecks coins, along with 1 and 2 Belarusian rubles coins are currency circulated in the country.

Banknotes of smaller denominations don’t generally last long. Apart from that, there is a need to replace old banknotes. 1 and 2 kopecks coins are always in good demand and are issued in increasing numbers to meet the demand. Small and medium denominations of banknotes have a life of 1 to 3 years. Missing and damaged banknotes are replaced with new ones by National banks all over the world to maintain cash flow. One must also note that when currency is issued, the amount of cash in circulation does not increase. When a bank receives new banknotes from a National Bank, the cashless equivalent is transferred back to the National Bank in return.

Image Courtesy: The National Bank of the Republic of Belarus