This year marks 30 years since
the introduction of the Kazakh national currency tenge. In honor of the
anniversary of one of the symbols of independence, a special exhibition was
opened in the country’s capital. It features over 200 exhibits, ranging from
the first tenge samples to collector coins. The inaugural batch of tenge was
printed in the United Kingdom (UK), while the first coins were minted in
Germany.
“We designed the first national
currency in Kazakhstan, and the first batch was printed with my signature in
London. We made the right choice because the quality of Kazakh banknotes is
among the best in the world. Thus, in 1994, the tenge received a gold medal
from Queen Elizabeth II of the UK for the beauty of design and quality,” said
First Chairman of the National Bank of Kazakhstan (1992-1993) Galym Bainazarov.
However, in 1995, the country
opened its own banknote factory. This event also solidified Kazakhstan’s
financial independence. The national currency was recognized the best worldwide
by the International Bank Note Society in 2011, 2012 and 2013. According to
experts, no other banknote has achieved comparable success thus far. The tenge
continues to gain international recognition.
“There are several ways to
distinguish counterfeit banknotes, which are publicly available, from genuine
ones. Anyone can easily see the differences. For instance, the color of the
image shimmers and varies when the banknote inclination angle is changed. Also,
the authenticity of the banknote can be verified using infrared radiation on specialized
devices in stores. The third way involves expert examination. The fourth
method, known only to specialists of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, takes
into account modern nanotechnologies used in the manufacturing process,” shared
Zhomart Kazhmuratov, director-general of the banknote factory of the National
Bank of Kazakhstan.
The front side of the country’s
first banknotes depicted significant historical figures who influenced the
development of Kazakhstan’s political and cultural life. Among them are
Al-Farabi, Suyunbai, Kurmangazy, Shokan Ualikhanov, Abai Kunanbaiuly, Abulkhair
Khan and Abylai Khan. The second series of tenge was named ‘Al-Farabi’, and the
third edition - ‘Baiterek’. The fourth series of banknotes known as Samruk is
currently in circulation.
