...Belarus - Series 2009 (Issued 01.07.2016) Issues, Full Set Third Series

 

Рэспубліка Беларусь

Republic of Belarus

Нацыянальны банк Рэспублікі Беларусь
(National Bank of The Republic of Belarus)
Currency - Ruble (BYN)

 

Here I have posted a full set of banknotes all printed with the year dated 2009. These notes were released into circulation on 01.07.2016. A complete set comprises eight notes. The first four notes for the lower denominations came from an exchange partner from Italy back in October 2016, and since then I have been wanting to get the remaining high value notes to complete my collection. Recently I found three dealers having the remaining four notes in stock, so I decided to buy them to complete my collection. Needless to say, the 200 and 500 rubles are not cheap to collect. This set of banknotes is now 9 years old, and there is no shortage in supply in the market. Since this series was introduced, a few reprints have been issued and you can tell by the year date printed on the center top left side of the note. The signature for the reprints are also omitted from the designs as well. Please note that there are two varieties for the 5 rubles for this 2009 series. It is fair to say that since the reprints are not quite the same as those initial issued series, the set that I have posted here is the only notes issued for this series.

The purpose of issuing this new series was due to currency reform. The exchange rate from the old ruble was 10,000 for one new ruble. This is not the first time the country had a currency reform introduced. In the year 2000, it also went through a currency reform where one new ruble was exchanged for 1,000 old rubles. The largest denomination issued then before this reform was 5,000,000 ruble.

 

This series of banknotes were reportedly printed by DLR and all printed with the year date of 2009. It was also reported that the central bank initially intended to release this series shortly after it was printed, but decided to delay until in 2016 due to the devaluation of the Ruble in early 2009, 2011 and 2015, and also due to the slow recovery of the financial crises which started in 2007/2008 resulted in the stock market crash and an international banking crises impacted around the world.

 

The theme for this series is "Belarus is my country". Each banknote is dedicated to one of the regions of Belarus and the city of Minsk, the national's capital city. On the front, from the lowest to the highest denominations showcased the architectural heritage of Belarus in the historical perspective from its origins to the present day. On the back are paintings depicted about the country's historical, cultural and spiritual heritage using symbols of that era. I must say that the colours for the 50 and 100 rubles are quite similar, especially on the front and I wonder if people get confused between the two notes.

 

The designs for this series are similar to the Euro currency, except that it features historical buildings on the front and history of Belarus on the back, rather than those imaginary bridges designed for those Euro currencies. Personally, I find the designs on the front for the 50 and 100 rubles are quite nice.

 

I cannot say that I am a big fan of Belarusian banknotes. I find them a bit of a risk when it comes to collecting them as the country has gone into currency reform, not once but twice since it became independent from the Soviet Union in August 1991. Both the 200 and 500 rubles are not cheap, and should there be a third currency reform, then these two notes may not be worth the papers it had printed on, except to collectors. However, despite saying this, it is always nice to collect them in full sets.

 

Five Rubles 

 

Front - An image of the Belaja tower in Kamenets city. According to a source, this tower was built between 1276 and 1288. This tower was originally built for defensive purposes and therefore the designs lack any architectural and decorative elements. This is not the only such tower built, as similar towers were also built in other towns such as in Brest, Grodno, Mstislavi, Myadel, Novogrudok, Polotski, Radoshkovichi, Turov and Shklov. However, only the Belaja tower still survives till today. It should also be noted that there are two versions of this note issued. The Belaja tower is also known as the White Tower and is also the main landmark in the city. The one that I have posted here is the first version. The second version is printed with a gap between the brickstone/brick wall in the far right on the front of the note.  

 

Signature - Petr Pyatrovich Prokopovich

Date - 2009 (01.07.2016)

Watermark - Tower of Kamyenuets

Dimensions - 136mm x 73mm

 

Back - Scene of wooden wheel, leather belt fragment, ancient settlements of the first Slavic.

 

Below is the 5 rubles note that is printed with a gap between the brickstone (as highlighted) in the far right hand side, but I do not know why there are two varieties for this denomination. Was this deliberate and what's the reason behind this? I would like to point out that the bank has also further altered the design on the front for the subsequent reprint (2019) with the outline brick wall design on the far left being removed and having this design replacing the solid brick wall on the far right.

 

Dimensions - 135.5mm x 73mm

Ten Rubles 

 

Front - Spaso-Preobrazhenskaja church situated in Polotsk city. This church was built in the 12th century and since then was reconstructed twice in the 17th and 19th centuries. Despite the reconstructions, it retained the original frescoes design.

 

Signature - Petr Pyatrovich Prokopovich

Date - 2009 (01.07.2016)

Watermark - Transfiguration Church

Dimensions - 141mm x 73mm

 

Back - College dedicated to enlightenment and typograph, with images of an opened book, and books stacked together standing on a bookshelf.

 

Twenty Rubles

 

Front - Rumjantsev and Paskevich palace, Gomel city. This two-storey palace was built between 1777 and 1796. The city of Gomel is located in the south-east of Belarus, very close to the borders of Russia and Ukraine. This property is now owned by the government of Belarus.

 

Signature - Petr Pyatrovich Prokopovich

Date - 2009 (01.07.2016)

Watermark - Palace of Rumyanysev-Paskevich

Dimensions - 144mm x 73mm 

Back - Collage on the theme of spirituality, the Turau Gospel, a bell in the center and image of half the bell in the far right. To the far left is an image of the ancient town of Turau.

Fifty Rubles

 

Front - Mir Castle/Complex in Mir. This is a historical fortified castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed in December 2000. This castle was built in the 16th century and this building had appeared in Belarus's banknotes in the past. Unfortunately, this castle carried some unfortunate history. During World War II, this castle was used to house local Jews prior to their murders. Today, it is a tourist attraction in the city of Mir. 

 

Signature - Petr Pyatrovich Prokopovich

Date - 2009 (01.07.2016)

Watermark - Palace of Rumyantsev-Paskevich

Dimensions - 148mm x 73mm

 

Back - Musical chords, collage on the theme of art. A quill pen and musical notes in the background. In the middle is a lyre musical instrument.

One Hundred Rubles

 

Front - Nesvizh or Nyasvizh castle in Nyasvizh. This is also another UNESCO World Heritage Site listed since 2005. This historical building was constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries and was owned by the Radziwill family until 1939. During the invasion of Poland by the Soviet army, the Radziwill family was evicted and used as a sanatorium. Between 2004-2012, the government extensively restored and needless to say, this is now a tourist attraction for visitors.

 

Signature - Petr Pyatrovich Prokopovich

Date - 2009 (01.07.2016)

Watermark - Nesvizh Castle

Dimensions - 152mm x 72.5mm

 

Back - Violin, collage on the theme of theater and folk holidays. In the center is a violin and in the background is a tambourine with an image of a building and people standing on the balcony.

 

Two Hundred Rubles

 

Front - Regional Museum of Art in Mahilyow/Mogilev. This building was built by Architect called A Drucker and was used as a bank until 1914. The Soviet government took over after the revolution of 1917. In November 1990 it turned this building into a museum. The museum houses more than 5,300 items and it is open to the public.

 

Signature - Petr Pyatrovich Prokopovich

Date - 2009 (01.07.2016)

Watermark - Tower

Dimensions - 155mm x 73mm

 

Back - Collage on the theme of crafts and town-planning. An old opened book and below that is a building with three people and a dog running in the background.

 

Five Hundred Rubles

 

Front - The building of the National Library of Belarus in Minsk. This library houses the largest collection of Belarusian printed materials. Construction for this building started in 2002 and completed in 2006. One interesting fact about this building was that it was partly funded by the late Saddam Hussein of Iraq. It was reported that he contributed half a million dollars to the construction of this building.

 

Signature - Petr Pyatrovich Prokopovich

Date - 2009 (01.07.2016)

Watermark - National Library

Dimensions - 160mm x 73mm

 

Back - Collage on the theme of literature. On the left is a quill pen and an ink bottle and a frond (leave from a fern tree). In the middle right is a plant and to the far right is another frond.

...Romania - 100 Lei 2024 Polymer Commemorative 185th Anniversary Of The Birth Of King Carol I Folder

România

(Romania)

 

Banca Națională a României 

(National Bank of Romania, Est.1880)

Currency - Leu (RON)

 

This is one good thing about European Union members that are yet to adopt the European common currency - the Euro, for whatever reasons or restrictions they may be encountering. Since the issue of the Euro currency by The European Central Bank in 2002, the central bank has never issued any commemorative banknote, and this allows countries like Romania (and Poland too) to issue commemorative notes as and when it sees fit. And right now, it seems that Poland is the only EU member that has been non-stop producing commemorative banknotes on an annual basis - Go Polska!

This is the fourth commemorative note issued by Romania since becoming an EU member in 2007. This note is printed on a polymer substrate and issued in a folder with an envelope. Like those three previous issues, this 100 lei commemorative note is also issued as a numismatic product in limited edition and sold at a premium. A total of 30,000 sets in folders were released on 02.12.2024, at a price of 150 lei per set plus tax. In my opinion, 30,000 sets is quite a lot and should be sufficient to meet overseas demands as well.

 

This note celebrates King Carol I's 185th birthday 1839-2024. Romania became a republic since the last King of Romania, King Michael I (b.1921-2017) was forced to abdicate by the occupying Russian forces during the end of the Second World War. The country then went on and was ruled by the communist regime until the Romanian revolution in 1989 when the President of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu (b.1918-1989) was captured by the army and executed. He died (together with his wife Elena Ceausescu b, 1916-1989) on Christmas day in 1989 by a firing squad after a quick trial conducted by the National Salvation Front (the provisional government during the revolution). Since then Romania has been governed by a unitary semi-presidential republic system. However, despite being a republic, it seems that many of the citizens are still very much fond of their past monarchs and talks were mentioned in the past whether to have a referendum to see if they want to bring them back as King/Queen. Perhaps this commemorative note and the one issued in 2018 would give you some ideas of what they are thinking right now, as I do not see any good reasons for issuing such commemorative banknotes, apart from generating income for the bank. I am sure the government would have also considered the current positive public sentiment regarding the monarchy.

One Hundred Lei

 

Governor - Mugur Constantin Isarescu

Chief Cashier - Ionel Nitu

Date - 1 decembrie 2024 (01.12.2024)

Issue Price - 150 lei plus tax

Dimensions - 147mm x 82mm

Front - The image of King Carol I. King Carol I or Charles I of Romania was born in 1839 and died in 1914, aged 75. He was the first King of Romania and he ascended to the Romanian throne on 15.03.1881 until his death in 1914. He was succeeded by his nephew Ferdinand I (b.1865-1927). In the middle is the Order of the Star of Romania, which is a decoration which was awarded to anyone that is recognised for his/her meritorious service to the country. This award was introduced by Carol I in 1877 when he was a Prince. At that time, this was the highest civil order and second highest state award. In 1940, this decoration award was then abolished by King Michael I of Romania and replaced by the Order of St George. The Star of Romania was then reintroduced in 1998 and since then is awarded by the President of Romania. In the background is a battle scene of the War of Independence. The War of Independence was referred to as the Russia-Turkish War which was fought from 1877 to 1878. Romania was fighting on the Russian side against Turkey and gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.

 

Back - In the middle is the statue of King Carol I. To the left is the image of Peles Castle. I believe Carol I's statue is situated in the garden in front of Peles Castle. The construction for Peles Castle was ordered by King Carol I in 1873 and was not finished until 1914. It is not sure if this castle was completed before or after the death of the King. This castle is located near Sinaia (central Romania), about 120 kilometers north of Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. 

Folder Front Cover 210mm x 148mm

...Moldova - 1992 and 1993 Cupon (Coupon) Series Full Set

Republica Moldova

Republic of Moldova

 

Banca Națională a Moldovei

(National Bank of Moldova, Est. 1991)

Currency - Leu (MDL)

It always gives me enormous satisfaction when I manage to get a full set of banknotes even though they are not that expensive, and especially these were issued more than 30+ years ago.

Below is a full set of four notes issued by the National Bank of Moldova. These Cupon notes were released in stages and are dated 1992 (50 and 200 cupon) and 1993 (1000 and 5000 cupon). I understand that these are the first series of notes issued by the central bank since the bank was established in 1991, following the breaking up of the Soviet Union empire. Moldova achieved independence from the Soviet Union on 27.08.1991.

In general, these notes are printed with minimum security features. Apart from the watermarks on the notes, these notes are not printed with any security threads, or any other common security features that would have been available in the early 90s. Even the text anti counterfeiting message is a bit confusing as the two letters 'i' and 'l' look alike. I suppose these notes were done as a temporary measure and also in a hurry to meet the demand following the breakup of the Soviet Union and Moldova becoming an independent nation in 1991. As these were issued as a temporary currency, it would be fair to say that the government did not spend extra on the manufacturing of these notes. These Cupon notes were issued to replace the Soviet ruble at par. In 1992 regular Leu series (first released 20.09.1993) were introduced at a rate of 1 leu = 1,000 cupon, thus replacing these four copon notes. 

I personally find the denominations printed is a bit strange as it included the value of 50 and 200 but not the 100 or 500 cupon. Perhaps this may have something to do with the country's high inflation back then when the country experienced a price rise from 20% to 60% due to it's market economy policy introduced in 1992. You must be wondering why I bother to buy these four notes, given the none attractiveness or dule designs. My reason is simple. This is history and having this full set is like having a piece of history of Moldova. It may not be worth a lot now or even in the future, but it is good to know a bit of the history (currency wise) of this country following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. I believe I may have paid a bit too much for this set.

These Cupon currencies were withdrawn from circulation on 29.11.1993. I am not sure if they are still redeemable from the central bank but if you have them in uncirculated condition, then it is worth more than the redeemable value. 

Fifty Cupon

Signature - N/A

Dated - 1992 (released 22.07.1992)

Watermarks - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 121mm x 59mm

The designs for all four notes are the same, except for the face values, colours and sizes.

On the from, the notes are all printed with:

- Moldova Coat of Arms;

- The name of the central bank - Banca Nationala A Moldovei;

- The face value in Cupon; and

- Falsificarea ocestor bilete se pedepseste confom legilor (counterfeiting these banknotes is punishable by law).

On the back, they are all printed with the image of Soroca castle (fort). The castle was first built in 1499 by Stephen the Great. As it is called, this castle is located in the town of Soroca in the north-east of the country, not far from the Ukraine border. The castle was originally constructed in timber and between 1543 to 1546, it was then rebuilt with stones. The castle was originally used for military purposes and today it is a main tourist attraction in the town.

On the back of the notes there are no texts or alphabets printed, except for the numeral denomination values.

Two Hundred Cupon

Dated 1992

 

Signature - N/A

Dated - 1992 (released 10.06.1992)

Watermarks - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 120mm x 58mm

 

Soroca castle

One Thousand Cupon

Dated 1993

 

Signature - N/A

Dated - 1992 (released 16.03.1993)

Watermarks - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 144mm x 59mm

Soroca castle

Five Thousand Cupon

Dated 1993

 

Signature - N/A

Dated - 1992 (released 01.09.1993)

Watermarks - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 146mm x 58.5mm

Soroca castle

...Czech Republic - 100 and 200 Koruna 2018 Reprints

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank - ČNB)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

 

These are the only two notes I have from the 1997-2018 series. The two notes posted here are the 100 and 200 koruna, both printed with the year date of 2018. The 100 koruna was first introduced in 1997, whilst the 200 koruna was introduced the following year. Despite being a member of the European Union since 2004, the Czech Republic has not adopted the Euro common currency yet. Out of the 27 EU members, seven nations have yet to adopt the Euro common currency. Until they all do, this can be seen as a weakness among the 27 members.

I believe these are the only two notes issued with the year date of 2018, and based on the reprints since it was introduced, these are the two most commonly circulating notes in the country. This is the 7th print for the 100 koruna and the 6th for the 200 koruna since they were first introduced in 1997 and 1998 respectively.

 

One Hundred Koruna

 Front - The note features the effigy of Karel IV (Charles IV 1316-1378). Karel IV was the King of Bohemia and King of the Romans (1346-1378); and Holy Roman Emperor, King of Italy from 1355 until his death in 1378.

 

 

Governor - Jiri Rusnok (01.06.2016 - 2022)

Watermarks - Karel IV (Charles IV 1316-1378) and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 141mm x 69.5mm

Back - The Seal of Charles University in Prague. Charles University was established in 1347 and was opened in 1349. Charles University ranks the best university in the Czech Republic. In case you wonder, the late socialite and entrepreneur Ivana Trump (nee Zelnickova b.1949-2022) graduated from this university with a Master degree in physical education.

 

Two Hundred Koruna

Front - John Amos Comenius (b.1592-1670), a philosopher, pedagogue and theologian. He is considered the father of modern education in the Czech Republic.

 

 

Governor - Jiri Rusnok (01.06.2016 - 2022)

Watermarks - John Amos Comenius and electrotype 200

Dimensions - 147.5mm x 70.5mm

Back - The children's book of Orbis Pictus, first published in 1658 by John Amos Comenius. Image of joined hands of an adult and a child.

...Transnistria - 1 Ruble Commemorative 30th anniversary of the Pridnestrovian Ruble 1994-2024

Република Молдовеняскэ Нистрянэ

Приднестровская Молдавская Республика

(Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic)

 

Transnistrian Republican Bank (Est.1992)

Currency : Ruble (RUP)

 

This is a never ending story.....

 

Here is another commemorative numismatic banknote, reportedly released on 15.08.2024, for the celebration of the territory's 30th anniversary of the Pridnestrovian Ruble currency 1994-2024. The Transnistria ruble is divided into 100 kopecks. 

 

This never ending story continues. This is the 27th* commemorative banknote issued since 1994. On average, Transnistria has issued 0.90 banknote per year since 1994 or 1.8 notes since the first commemorative note of 2009 was issued. I do not believe any other country would have matched or better this wonderful record over the past 30 years for issuing so many commemorative banknotes. The disappointing part is that out of the 27 commemorative notes issued, only one commemorative note has a new design. The rest of the 26 notes issued came from existing circulating notes with added commemorative text or logos over the watermarks area. Whilst the commemorative notes design are almost all the same, the bulk of such issues are limited edition with quantity printed from 1500 to 2500 sets - 7,070 sets for the 2015; 70 Years of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War Two). 

Note * - another one (28th) released after this note.

 

The official name of Transnistria currency in English is 'Pridnestrovian Ruble'. The design for this 1 ruble commemorative note is the same as the current circulating note but is printed with the commemorative logo on the watermark area on the right hand side of the note. This note was first issued in 2007 and then upgraded (reprint) in 2012.

 

Like those previous commemorative notes issued, this is a limited edition with a total of 1,500 printed and 1,490 sets sold in a simple folder at a premium. It is not sure what the bank will do with the remaining 10 individual pieces, or whether they are retained for their archives.

The Transnistria ruble was first introduced in 1994. Transnistria was formed in 1990 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Transnistria continued to use the Soviet Union rubles in 1990 as their own currency. In 1992, Russia began to introduce its own currency, and this led to Transnistria flooded with the obsolete Russian rubles, and in order to protect its own financial system, it introduced it's own ruble currency in 1994. Because Transnistria is not a recognised nation, their currency is not negotiable outside its territory. Internationally, Transnistria is recognised as part of the Republic of Moldova.

One Ruble

 

Signature - N/A

Series - 2007/2012

Watermark - Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov and electrotype ПРБ

Dimensions - 130mm x 56.5mm

 

Front - A portrait of the Russian General Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov (b.1730-1800) in military uniform. General Suvorav was a Russian born military hero holding the rank of Field Marshal Generalissimo. He was born in Moscow and joined the army at the age of 17 and was promoted to the rank of colonel when he was 32 years old. By 1787, he was then promoted to the rank of General. During his lifetime, he was involved in at least 57 battles/wars with the majority of these conflicts ending in victory in his favour. He died at the age of 70 years old and was buried in the city of St Petersburg. He was the fourth Generalissimo of Russia. 

 

To the right-hand side where the watermark area is, the commemorative Bank of Pridnestrovie logo is added to the design with the following text printed in red below: 

 

30 ЛЕТ ПРИДНЕСТРОВСКОМУ РУБЛЮ

(30 Years Of The Pridnestrovian Ruble)

 

 

Back - Kitskansk Bridgehead memorial or Chiţcani monument in Chitcani. This monument was built in 1972 (opened 09.05.1972) to commemorate victory against the German invasion during the Second World War in 1944. Chitcani is situated north of Tiraspol, the capital city of Transnistria.

 

2009 - 15 Years of National Currency;

2014 - 20 Years of National Currency, 2020 sets (4 notes);

2015 - 70 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WWll), 7070 sets, 2000 sets in folders (2 notes);

2015 - 25 Years of Transnistria Republic, 2525 sets, 2000 sets in folders (4 notes);

2017 - 100 Years of the Great October Socialist Revolution, 5,000 sets, 2017 sets in folders (2 notes);

2017 - 100 Year of KGB/State Security Bodies, 2500 sets in folders;

2017 - 100 Years of Police Force, 2500 sets in folders;

2018 - 100 Years of Border Troops, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folder;

2018 - 100 Years of Armed Force/State Police, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folders (Text - 27 Yrs of the Armed Forces of the PMR);

2019 - 30 Years of Soviet Troops withdrawing from Afghanistan, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary Years of Liberation from Nazi Invaders, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary of Jassy-Kishinev Operation, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 25 Years of National Currency, 200000 pieces, 2500 sets in folders (2 notes);

2020 - 75 Years of End of World War ll (1945-2020), 2500 sets in folders;

2020 - 30th Year of Formation of Transdniestr, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the First PMR bank, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders issued;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the PMR Financial System, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2023 - 100th Year of the 2023 - 100th Year of Gold Chervonets, 2500 sets, 2490 sets in folders;

2024 - 30th Anniversary of the Pridnestrovian Ruble, 1,500 sets, 1,490 sets in folders;