Kyrgyzstan prints its own banknotes for the first time: 20 and 50 som notes enter circulation

On October 27, 2026, the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan put into circulation banknotes of 20 and 50 soms of the 2026 model. For the first time in the history of the independent republic, banknotes were produced within the country, announced Mels Attokurov, First Deputy Chairman of the National Bank, at a press conference.

Banknote production was carried out by LLC "Central Asian Secure Printing Typograpy." The issuance was organized in compliance with an order from the president of Kyrgyzstan and instructions given at the second People's Kurultai.

According to Attokurov, domestic production of the national currency will allow Kyrgyzstan to develop secure printing technologies, strengthen its production base, and increase the resilience of the cash circulation system.

The new banknotes retain the design of the current fifth series: the main images, dimensions, and colors remain unchanged. The National Bank identifies seven main security features of the 2026-model banknotes; to verify authenticity, it is recommended to examine the banknote against light, change the viewing angle, and check the embossed elements by touch.

The issuance of new banknotes does not mean that previous series will be withdrawn from circulation. The 2026-model banknotes will circulate alongside currency notes from earlier issues; exchanging existing 20 and 50 som banknotes is not required.