...Tatarstan (Russia) - 5000 Roubles/Fifty Shamil x 2 ND1996

Republic of Tatarstan

Республика Татарстан

 

The National Bank of the Republic of Tatarstan

Currency - Ruble/Shamil

 

These are the only two notes I have from the Republic of Tatarstan, an autonomous region of Russia. Tatarstan is also sometimes known as Tataria. The two notes that I have posted here are the 5000 rubles or 50 shamil (1 shamil = 100 rubles). Both notes are dated 1996(nd), but I believe the one that is printed in blue is the first print and the one in green is the second. It would be fair to say that the second print would be issued in 1997 or 1998 etc. These two notes are the largest denominations issued since 1992 and also the last issued by Tatarstan. These notes were issued to assist low income earning people to upgrade their way of life, due to the economic and financial crises at that time.

Tatarstan only issued banknotes from 1992 to 1996. The reason they issued banknotes was due to hyperinflation and economic collapse following the disintegration of the Soviet Union empire. These notes were issued as a temporary measure and it ceased circulating when the Russian rubles regained its stability later. In this short period of time, Tatarstan has released 24 banknotes including various varieties, from 50 rubles to 5000 rubles. The designs of these notes are quite simple with some are just printed on one side.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union on 26.12.1991, Tatarstan did not formally declare independence from the Soviet Union, but instead signed a treaty with Russia in 1994 to remain part of the Russian Federation but with significant autonomy.

Not many people would know where Tatarstan is located in Russia. Tatarstan is situated on the western side of Russia. It is located in the Volga Federation District and has a population of just over 4.0+ million people. The capital of Tatarstan is Kazan and is situated about 850 km east of Moscow. 

In 1992, Tatarstan began issuing its own currency for circulation. The two notes that I have posted here are the last banknotes issued, and also the largest denomination ever issued in Tatarstan.

There are two versions of this series and both designs are exactly the same but one is printed in blue and the other one in green. It is believed that the blue version of this note was the first issue, and then the green version note is a reprint. 

Whilst I have mentioned that these two are banknotes, in reality, these are coupons or currency cheques, and that is why very few details are printed on them, such as they do not have the name of the issuing authority (central bank), denomination/value, legal tender text etc. However, the notes do have watermarks, and the only watermarks that I can see are 8 electrotype vertical lines spacing across the notes. 

It was never my intention to get these two notes. I only bought them to fill up my gaps for missing banknotes from this region. I am still missing a few, especially for those countries that are no longer existing.

 

Five Thousand Rubles (Fifty Shamil) Blue First Print

Signature - n/a

Date - nd1996 First Print

Watermark - Eight vertical lines (electrotype) equally spaced across the note.

Size - 135.5mm x 64.5mm

Back - A woman from a national epic.

Five Thousand Rubles (Fifty Shamil) Green Second Print

 

Front - An image of the Kazan Kremlin in Kazan. The Kazan Kremlin is the chief historic citadel of Kazan. It was built at the behest of Ivan the Terrible on the ruins of the former castle of Kazan khans. This building was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000.

Signature - n/a

Date - nd1996 Second Print

Watermark - Eight vertical lines (electrotype) equally spaced across the note.

Size - 136mm x 65mm

Back - A woman from a national epic. 

...Czechoslovakia - 1985-1989 Series Full Set Last Series

Czechoslovakia Republic

Československá Republika

Československej Republiky

 

State Bank of Czechoslovakia (Est.1950-01.01.1993)

Currency - Koruna (CSK)

 

 

Defunct State

Below are five notes issued between 1985 to 1989. This is the last of the Czechoslovakia banknotes series before the country split into two nations on 01.01.1993. The separation of Czechoslovakia was necessary as the two main groups of people, mainly the Czechs and Slovaks, are different ethnically and culturally. The separation was known as the "Velvet divorce", and it was done in a peaceful manner with no arm conflicts or loss of lives. It was reported that the separation was decided by politicians from both sides, without a referendum being called, despite that public opinion at that time was in favour of preserving the country as one. The division of assets was done on a two-to-one ratio in favour of the Czech republic, reflecting the population of Czechoslovakia back then. At the time of the separation, the Czechs and Slovaks combined accounted for two-thirds of the population.

In my personal opinion, this is a very beautiful set of notes (mainly designs on the back). As the saying goes, a picture tells a thousand words and to me some of the notes here truly fit that description. However, it is a pity that these notes are mostly printed in mono colour and not with multi colours that would have brought out the beauty of the designs. 

 

Ten Korun

 

Front - Portrait of Pavol Orszag Hviezdoslav (b.1849-1921) was a Slovak poet, dramatist, a translator and also a Member of the Czechoslovak's parliament. As he was well known during his lifetime, today, there are many streets named after him throughout the territory of Slovakia.

Signature - none

Dated - 1986 Series P

Watermarks - Repeating star and leaf

Dimensions - 132mm x 67mm* 

Back - An aerial view of Orava Mountains. The Orava Mountains is a range of small mountains located in the Zilina region of north central Slovakia. To the bottom left is a standing bird facing right.

 

Twenty Korun 

 

Front -  Portrait of John Amos Komensky/Comenius (b.1592-1670). It is believed that he was born in the district of Uherske Hradiste in today's Czech Republic. During his lifetime, he was a philosopher and an educator. As an educator, he introduced various educational concepts and innovations written in native languages with teaching based in gradual development from simple to more comprehensive concepts. He died at the age of 78 years old in Amsterdam and was buried in the city of Naarden, in the Netherlands. To his right is an image of a tree. In the center left is the Coat of Arms of Czechoslovakia and below it is a circular design with an open book in the center.

Signature - none

Date - 1988 Series E

Watermarks - Repeating star and leaf

Dimensions - 138mm x 68mm

Back - In the center left is the Tree of Life growing from an open book, with various fruit colours. To the right is a couple both reading from a book. Standing behind them is a ten-point sun shape releasing its energy. To the far left are Glagolitic alphabets, the oldest known Slavic script. There are about 41 letters or characters in the Glagolitic alphabets, and 30 differences of these letters are printed on this note. I wonder if there are any meaning or messages for these letters printed. Next to it, I believe are Latin writings. I do not read Latin writing either. In the top left is an image of an Atomic energy symbol.

Fifty Korun

 

Front - A portrait of Ludovit Velislav Stur (b.1815-1856). Ludovit Stur was a Slovak revolutionary, politician and an author of several books. He became a member of the Hungarian Parliament in 1846. During his lifetime, he was involved in the revival of the Slovak nation and is considered as one of the most important figures in Slovak history. To the center left is a flying eagle in hunting position and below it is an image of a mountain range. 

 

Signature - none

Date - 1987 Series F

Watermarks - Repeating star and leaf

Dimensions - 143mm x 68mm

Back - A beautiful aerial view of Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia since 1993, from across the Danube river. This is a historical city and was first mentioned in the year 907. From 1563 to 1783, the city was the coronation site and the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary. During this period, eleven Hungarian kings and eight queens were crowned in this city. The building in the top left corner is the famous Bratislava Castle. This castle provides an excellent view of the city and as Bratislava is situated very close to the borders with Australia and Hungary, it is also claimed that on a good day, you can see Austria and part of Hungary from the top of this castle. According to my Internet searches, the building on the right that has a spire structure (church tower) is the Havlat & Partners law firm. From afar, you can also see a tall building structure, and I believe this is the Kamzik TV Tower. This tower is located north of the city and is 196 meters tall. This tower was built in 1975. To the right is a cluster of grapes with the denomination value of 50 printed over it.

 

This is like a postcard from Bratislava city

 

 

One Hundred Korun 

 

 

Front - This note was issued to honour the late Czechoslovakian leader, Klement Gottwald (b.1896-1953). Klement Gottwald was a communist politician, a leader of Communist Party of Czechoslovakia from 1929 until his death in 1953. He was the General Secretary of his party until 1945 and then became the Chairman from 1945 to 1953. He was forced into exile to the Soviet Union in 1938 when the Czechoslovakia government banned the Communist Party. In July 1946, he formed a National Front coalition government with the Czech National Social Party headed by Edvard Benes (b.1884-1948). In the coalition, Edvard Benes served as the President and Klement Gottwald became the country's Prime Minister. In June 1948, Klement Gottwald became President when he overthrew the government with the help of the Soviet Union.

 

Signature - none

Date - 1989 Series A (issued on 01.10.1989 to 31.12.1990)

Watermark - Repeating star and leaf

Dimensions - 148.5mm x 67mm 

This note was not popular among the population and officially withdrew from circulation on 31.12.1990, 14 months after it was first introduced (01.10.1989). This was mainly due to the changing of political scene in Eastern Europe at that time, first started with the fall of the Berlin Wall (09.11.1989) and then followed by the Czechoslovakian's Velvet Revolution which started on 17.11.1989 to 28.11.1989 (started 48 days after this note was issued). The Velvet Revolution finally ended the Communist's 41 years in power. It should also be noted that many people in the country would still remember how the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact invaded the country that ended the country's 1968 Prague Spring uprising reforms. 

Back - On the back, this note features a few historical buildings around Prague, the capital city of Czechoslovakia since 1918 when the country was first created and then the capital city of Czech Republic following the breakup of the country in 1993. The main buildings printed on the back are as follows**: -

1) Prague Castle (built around 870) - The official residence and office of the President of the Czech Republic. This is also a tourist attractions with over 1.8M visitors annually;

2) Church of Thomas on Mala Strana - This church was built around 1227 by monks from Brevnov Monastery;

3) The Malostranske (Mala Strana Bridge Tower) at the beginning of Charles Bridge;

4) Church of St. Nicholas - This church was built between 1704 to 1755; and;

5) Hotel U tří štrosů (Hotel at the Three Ostriches) - This building was built in 1597 by Jan Fux, an Ostriches feathers merchant. In 1648, this building was damaged by foreign invaders and was then rebuilt in 1657. Since the construction of this building, it has changed hands several times. Renovations were done to the building and in 1976, it was then converted into a hotel.

Note ** - Information courtesy from Marian J of Slovakia.

One Thousand Korun

 

Front - An image of Bedrich Smetana (b.1824-1884) who was a Czech composer. He is widely regarded as the father of Czech music. Flower in the center with the Coat of Arms over it. 

 

Signature - none

Date - 1985 Series C

Watermark - Repeating star and leaf

Dimensions - 158.5mm x 67mm 

Back - View of Vltava river with Vysehrad on top of a cliff. Vysehrad is a historical fort in Prague. This fort was built in the 10th century. The Vltava river is the longest river in the Czech Republic.

...European Union - 200 Euro Dated 2019 Hybrid s. Mario Draghi Print

European Union

(Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria*, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic*, Denmark*, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary*, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland*, Portugal, Romania*, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden*.)

European Central Bank (est. 1998)

Currency : Euro (EUR €)

 

Below is a 200 euro hybrid banknote printed with the year date of 2019. This note bears the signature of Mario Draghi, who was the President of the European Central Bank from 01.11.2011 to 31.10.2019. Since then he has been replaced by Christine Madeleine Odette Lagarde.

The design for this 200 euro is very similar to those first issued back in 2002. However, this 2019 note is printed on hybrid material. This is the first hybrid note for this denomination. Whilst this is the second largest denomination circulating in Europe, the European Central Bank has ceased issuing the 500 euro banknote since the end of 2018. The reason for this is that the central bank's suspicious that the 500 euro notes have been widely used for illegal purposes. 

This 200 euro was reportedly released on 28.05.2019. It is believed that only three notes are issued with the prefixes of N (Austria), S (Italy) and U (France). Here, I have posted one with the letter 'S'.

 

Two Hundred Euro 

Front - It depicts arches and doorways in Art Nouveau style of the 19th and 20th centuries. These arches and doorways are usually made of glass and iron with decorative arts.

Signature - Mario Draghi (tenure 2011-2019)

Watermarks - portrait of Europe and electrotype 200
Dimensions - 154.5mm x 78mm

Back - An image of a Cantilever bridge. This is just an artist impression of such a bridge as there is no such real bridge that is actually located within the Eurozone. Below the bridge is the map of Europe showing all it's 28 EU members, including its formal member, the United Kingdom. Also printed are the  tiny maps of overseas territories occupied by the Portuguese, the French and the Spanish, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, South America and the Indian Ocean. Twelve five-point stars in a circular position are also printed around the map of Europe. These 12 stars symbolise or represent all the EU members.

Azores (Pt) - 3 tiny islands;
Guadeloupe (Fr); Martinique (Fr), Madeira (Pt), Reunion (Fr) - 4 tiny islands;
French Guiana (Fr) in South America; and
Canary Islands - La Palma, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura (all Sp) - 5 tiny islands.

 

Note * - countries that are yet to adopt the Euro currency.

...Czech Republic - 100 Koruna Centennial Of The Czechosolovak Currency III 1926-2026

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

Posted below is the 2026 commemorative note of 100 koruna issued on 21.01.2026. This note formed part of the series of special 100 CZK commemorative notes first issued in 2019 (following the 2019 Rašín and 2022 Engliš issues) and is purposely designed for numismatic collectors only. 

This note celebrates the 100th year of the establishment of the Czechoslovak currency part III and it also honours the contribution of its first governor, Vilém Pospíšil.

Only 20,000 sets were issued and despite the nominal face value, I cannot confirm this, but I have been informed that the official retail price was 2,500 koruna per note. Whilst 2,500 koruna is equivalent to approximately €104 or US$123, the secondary market asking price is more than twice of that. Even sellers from the Czech Republic are offering these notes more than three times the official issue price. Such a high markup premium makes it hard for collectors to get one. I do not believe this would be a good investment and only the die-hard collectors will get one just to fill up his/her ego (that's me). Based on the current asking price, there is no shortage of this note on offer at the moment, but one has to look around to find one with the best price. I ended up buying two pieces of this and paid my first piece for US$225 (through a dealer) and the second one much cheaper at US$160 (through a very good friend). I enjoy collecting large size banknotes and I am happy to have more than one note in my collection.

All notes are issued in a simple three-fold sleeve. The prefixes of my two notes are both printed with PN10. However, I have sighted one with Prefix PJ09. For a quantity of 20,000 pieces, I am wondering why there are multiple prefixes printed and if these prefixes have any significant or important meaning? Are these some kinds of internal bank coding systems referred to? Given such a low quantity, one can even argue that if the serial number prefixes is necessary? 

 

Below are the inscriptions on the folder, which I have translated into English with the help of Google Translate; 

Cestina; -
Emitent: Ceska narodni banka, Praha
Technicke parametry: Ceska narodni banka, Praha
Podpis: Ales Michl, guverner

Navrh: akademicka malirka Eva Haskova
Liniove rozkresby a rucni ocelorytiny: Martin Srb
Graficky ceninovy design: Michal Sindelar

Naklad: 20000 kusu

Papir: Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH, Louisenthal
Barvy:bSICPA SA, Prilly, Chavornay
Meditiskove formy: Penzjegynyomda Zrt., Budapest
Meditiskove priprava: Statni tiskarna cenin, s. p., Praha
Sitotiskove formy: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne
Cislovace: Zeiser GmbH, Emmingen-Liptingen

Tisk: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne (prvek SPARK Flow®),
Statni tiskarna cenin, s. p., Praha (ostatni partie)
Vytistenon a strojich: Koenig & Bauer AG, Wurzburg

PAMETNI BANKOVKA
100 korun ceskych vzor 2026

Budovani ceskoslovenske meny

English: -
Issuer: Czech National Bank, Prague
Technical parameters: Czech National Bank, Prague
Signature: Ales Michl, Governor

 

Design: academic painter Eva Haskova
Line drawings and hand-made steel engravings: Martin Srb
Graphic design of the banknote: Michal Sindelar

Issue: 20,000 pieces

Paper: Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH, Louisenthal
Colors: bSICPA SA, Prilly, Chavornay
Printing forms: Penzjegynyomda Zrt., Budapest
Printing preparation: State Banknote Printing House, s. p., Prague
Screen printing forms: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne
Numbering: Zeiser GmbH, Emmingen-Liptingen

Printing: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne (SPARK Flow® element),
State Banknote Printing House, s. p., Prague (other parts)
Printing and printing machines: Koenig & Bauer AG, Wurzburg
COMMEMORATIVE BANKNOTES

100 Czech crowns model 2026
Construction of the Czechoslovak currency

Send feedback

(courtsey of Google Translate)

 

 

One Hundred Koruna

Front - The note features the portrait of Vilém Pospíšil (b.1873-1942), the first Governor of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia. He was appointed to the governor of the central bank on 23.01.1926 and the central bank began operation on 01.04.1926. Like all central bank's activity, one of it's main functions is to safeguard the stability of the Czechoslovak koruna currency. Professionally, Vilém Pospíšil was also a qualified lawyer and publicist and apart from the Czech language, he is also fluent in German, French, English, Italian and Russian. His name, “VILÉM POSPÍŠIL” is also printed below his portrait on the note. He served as the Bank Governor for nearly 8 years and resigned together with the entire board of the bank in February 1934 when the government decided to devalue the Koruna currency. The devaluation of the koruna currency was due to the Great Depression experienced by many countries around the world, which impacted the country's economy. The devaluation was to aim at boosting sagging exports, reducing unemployment and to align the Koruna with the depreciated currencies of other major trading partners. Following his resignation, he was succeeded by Karel Englis in 1934. 

Next to his portrait of Vilém Pospíšil is an image of the headquarters building of the Czech National Bank in Prague. On top of the building is a statue of a female statue with a Lion. A cornucopia with fruit is located on the center right below the building, and the Coat of Arms of the Czechoslovak Republic printed to the left. On the top right corner is a male statue holding a laurel wreath. 

Located near the lower margin of the banknote is the name of the designer “EVA HAŠKOVÁ INV”. The other two commemorative notes of the 100 koruna commemorative series issued in 2019 and 2022 were also designed by her as well.

Governor - Aleš Michl (since July 1, 2022)

Date - 2026 (released on 21.01.2026)

Watermark - portrait of Vilém Pospíšil and electrotype 100

Quantity - 20,000 pieces/sets

Issue price - 2,500 koruna per set

Sizes - 194.5mm x 84mm

Back - On the back it depicts a corner of the former Městská spořitelna Pražská savings bank (founded in 1825 as Prague Municipal Saving Bank) in Prague. This building is currently occupied by the Česká spořitelna, the largest bank in the Czech Republic. To the right is an angel holding a beehive with her left hand. A composition of fruit is printed to the far left of the note.

In modern time banknotes collection, this is a very large note. Given that this note is sold with such a high premium, whilst it is a legal tender note, it is very unlikely you will find anyone willing to use it at face value as payment for goods and services. However, you will never know, as it is sad to say that "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em". I wonder what you can get for 100 koruna in the Czech Republic?

 

...Poland - 20 Zlotych 2025 Commemorative 1000th Year Coronation of Boleslaw I First King of Poland Hybrid

Rzeczpospolita Polska
(Republic of Poland)

Naradowy Bank Polski
(National Bank of Poland, Est.1945)
Currency - Zloty (PLN)

 

Here is another commemorative note of 20 zlotych officially released on 05.11.2025. Like all previous commemorative notes issued, this one is also released in a simple folder and is not intended for general circulation, as this note is sold at a premium. In addition to these banknotes, commemorative coins minted in gold and silver were also released in April 2025 honoring the reign and coronation of Boleslaw the Brave. 

This is the 17th commemorative banknote issued by the National Bank of Poland since 2006. The bank has the ability to issue commemorative banknotes as the country has not adopted the Euro Currency system yet. The country has not set a target to do so, and as long as they have their own currency, we may see more commemorative notes coming out of the central bank. 

At the moment, the only country that has issued more commemorative banknotes than Poland is Transnistria. However, Transnistria is not a recognised nation, so technically, Poland is the only country in Europe that has released the most commemorative banknotes so far. 

I must say that I was a bit surprised when I received this note as to me, this is a large size note for a face value of 20 zlotych. I am just wondering why they decided to print this commemorative note in such a large size as all previous commemorative notes issued since 2006 are all much smaller. 

 

Twenty Zlotych (Hybrid)

Front - This note commemorates the 1000th year of the Coronation of Boleslaw I, King of Poland. According to legend, he died two months after his coronation on 17.06.1025. At the time of this death, he was 58 years old. The front of the note depicts the portrait of Boleslaw I the Brave (b.967-1025) with his right hand clutching a sword. I believe this image is derived from a portrait painting by Marcello Baciarelli completed in c.1770. Boleslaw I is also known as Boleslaw the Great and was the first King of Poland. The current 20 zlotych circulating note is also printed with his image on the front. Boleslaw was the son of Poland's first Christian ruler Duke Mieszko. Boleslaw inherited his father's realm in 992. 

Whilst to me it is a bit strange to see a country which is now a Republic, yet celebrating a past Monarch figure on a banknote. However, this is not the first time that this is happening as many previous issues were the same including many commemorative coins issued too.

Signatures

President (Prezes) - Adam Glapinski (since 2016)

Chief Treasurer (Główny Skarbnik) - Barbara Jaroszek (since 2017)

Sizes - 171mm x 85mm

Watermarks - im­age of a fragment of the bordure of the Gniezno Doors and the notation of the coronation year of Boleslaus the Brave (electrotype 1025)

Quantity - 70,000 sets

Issue price - 160 zlotych

Period of sale - until 05.11.2028 unless all sold out prior

Hybrid

Back - To the left is an image of a silver coin struct under Boleslaw I the Brave. The design of this coin depicts the silhouette of a crowned eagle bird and the inscription Prince Polonie. To the right it features the Lance of Saint Maurice. In the middle it depicts a section of the Gniezno doors, which adorn the entrance to the cathedral in Gniezno.

Full list of all commemorative note folder issues since 2006

2006 - 50zl Pope John Paul ll First Death Anniv : qty 2.0M (i/p 90zl)

2008 - 10zl Regaining Independence 90th Anniv : qty 80,000 (i/p 15zl)

2009 - 20zl Poet Julius Slowacki 200th Anniversary : qty 80,000 (i/p 80zl)

2009 - 20zl Frederic Francois Chopin 200th Birth Anniv : qty 120,000 (i/p 50zl)

2011 - 20zl Marie Sklodowska Curie Nobel Price 100th Anniv : qty 60,000 (i/p 60zl)

2014 - 20zl Polish Legions 100th Anniv [polymer] : qty 60,000 (i/p 50zl)

2015 - 20zl Jan Dlugosz 600th Birth Anniv : qty 30,000 (i/p 72zl)

2016 - 20zl Baptism of Poland 1050th Anniv : qty 35,000 (i/p 75zl)

2017 - 20zl Mother of God 300th Coronation Anniv : qty 55,000 (i/p 60zl)

2018 - 20zl 100th Year of Independence : qty 50,000 (i/p 75zl)

2019 - 19zl Polska Wytwornia Papierow Wartosciowych 100th Anniv [hybrid] : qty 55,000 (i/p 80zl)

2020 - 20zl Battle of Warsaw 100th Anniv : qty 60,000 (i/p 80zl)

2021 - 20zl It's Worth Being A Pole : qty 80,000 (i/p 100zl)

2022 - 20zl Protection of the Eastern Front : qty 80,000 (i/p 50zl)

2023 - 20zl Nicolaus Copernicus 550th Birth Anniv [polymer]: qty 100,000 (i/p 160zl) 

2024 - 20zl 80th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising 1944: qty 80,000 (i/p 140zl)

2025 - 20zl 1000th Anni. [hybrid] of the Coronation of Boleslaus the Brave: qty 70,000 (i/p 160zl)