Exchange Currency
Kazakh tenge
The tenge is the currency of Kazakhstan. It is divided into 100 tïın. It was introduced on 15th of November 1993 to replace the Soviet ruble at a rate of 1 tenge = 500 rubles.
The word tenge in the Kazakh and most other Turkic languages means a set of scales (cf the old Uzbek tenga or the Tajik borrowed term tanga). The origin of the word is the Turkic teğ- which means being equal, balance. The name of this currency is thus similar to the lira, pound and peso.
Sauk Takezhanow was the godfather of national currency who was a chairman of Planning and Budgetary Commission of Supreme Soviet of Republic of Kazakhstan. It was he who offered – tenge as the new name of currency. And this name has been chosen in closed discussion among the members of Supreme Soviet and Republic's administration.
In the beginning of nineties former Soviet and now Kazakh people who got accustomed to slow and almost unnoticeable growth of price for goods now were disturbed and confused by its increased dynamic. The rate of inflation in 1992 was 250 per cents. People do not like to remember this but it is also our history. And probably some it would be useful for extra ardent fighters to look through it again sometimes.
In July 1993 Russia infringed an agreement and Russia released new national currency having notifying Kazakhstan 3 days before that event. Prices went up with a leap. Money of people in savings accounts started to devalue very soon. Soviet banknotes of old standard flew to Kazakhstan. Goods and commodity products were rapidly disappearing from the shops.
The day before new currency reform was taken, the Head of the Country made a speech explaining the aims of it and necessity of it. This statement reassured the people. The order and conditions of change were discussed everywhere. The beginning of change started at 8 o'clock a.m. in November 15/1993 and finished at 20 o'clock p.m. in November 20/1993.
But there were plenty of procedure nuances of releasing of national currency. Such as delivery to the place of giving out cash to the people, or establishing a period of changing soviet roubles to new currency, or establishing a limit of change for a person or an organization, making new currency gold based. In 1993 the changing rate was 500 roubles to one tenge. First samples of tenge were of British origin as the contracts for manufacture of banknotes has been signed with the largest English company. For the short haul the Republic has been provided with cash money.
Almost simultaneously with the introduction of banknotes, Ulba metal plant in UstKamenogorsk city has begun the preparation on release of the first Kazakhstan coins. In order the country could provide itself with paper money, it has been decided to create a banknote factory in Almaty. This decision has been made in May, 1992 and fixed in the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On creation of printing factory of the National State bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan”. Regional State Enterprise “Kazakhstan Mint” has received a certificate on registration in November, 1998.
Initially tiyns – hundredth parts tenge, were made in paper form, coins made of brass with denominational value 2, 5, 10 and 50 tiyns have been manufactured later.
But their century has appeared to be short. Being not introduced in circulation properly, they had been depreciated and had been withdrawn from cash-flow cycle.
Commemorative coins are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000 and 10,000 tenge. Silver and gold bullion coins exist in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 tenge.
Banknotes of 2006 uses the greatest possible quantity of protective elements determined without special means, i.e. visual and visible in formation light, as well as determined by feel.
Banknotes have also some latent elements distinguished by means of special technical devices, but the main accent is made nevertheless to the fast and simple establishment of the banknote authenticity. From among the widespread protective elements we can note watermarks, coincidental images, optically changing paint, microtext, etc.
Also banknotes completely exclude the probability of erroneous perception or recognition of any denominational value as all denominational values differ both by colors, and by size. The color palette is selected so that to create a positive and easily recognized image of banknotes of any value.
Every subsequent denominational value is bigger than the previous one by 4 mm in length and by 3 mm in width.
In the central part of obverse side of banknotes we can see the monument "Astana-Baiterek" – the achievement of the modern Kazakhstan architecture, a design and engineering idea, a symbol of development of independent Kazakhstan. In the middle part of a banknote on the color strips we can see fragments of notes of the national anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan which has a digital designation of denominational value. To the left of “Baiterek” monument there is the State Emblem of the Republic of Kazakhstan put on the banknote using one color. In the top right part there is the image of the national flag. In the bottom part of the banknote there is an open palm of a hand, in classical heraldry symbolizing belief, sincerity and justice. On banknotes with denominational value 200 and 500 tenge there is a letter designation of denominational value in the state language which is located vertically in the bottom right corner, on the banknotes with denominational value 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 tenge such letter designation of denominational value is located beneath, to the left.
The inscription “ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ” on denominational values 200 and 500 tenge is located under the notes of the national anthem, and on Denominational values 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 tenge – vertically, beneath, to the right. The reverse side of banknotes contains images of landscapes and modern objects of architecture which are located in the territory of the country. They are framed with a contour of the map of Kazakhstan. To the left, underneath left and from above, to the right, there is a digital designation of the denominational value of banknotes, and from below in the middle - there is a letter designation of banknotes in Russian language. From above, in the middle there is an inscription “ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ” and the logo of bank-emitter is printed.
On November, 15, 2008 it will be a 15-th anniversary from the date of introduction of the national currency of the sovereign Kazakhstan - tenge. In commemoration of this event the National Bank of Kazakhstan has issued a memorable anniversary banknote with denominational value of 5 000 tenge on July, 8, 2008.
The word tenge in the Kazakh and most other Turkic languages means a set of scales (cf the old Uzbek tenga or the Tajik borrowed term tanga). The origin of the word is the Turkic teğ- which means being equal, balance. The name of this currency is thus similar to the lira, pound and peso.
Summary info
Summary information about Kazakhstani tenge- ISO 4217 Code:
- KZT
- Currency sign:
- ₸
- Country:
- Republic of Kazakhstan
- Subunit:
- tïın
- Coins:
- 1 tenge, 2 tenge, 5 tenge, 10 tenge, 20 tenge, 50 tenge, 100 tenge
- Banknotes:
- 200 tenge, 500 tenge, 1000 tenge, 2000 tenge, 5000 tenge, 10000 tenge
- Central bank:
- National Bank of Republic of Kazakhstan
History
As well as anthem, flag and National Emblem national currency is also kind of state symbol. There is an inscription in the book of special guests of bank note factory which was made by the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev in the day of opening the factory in 06.19.1995. It says – tenge is the manifestation of economical independence of our country first appeared in our capital and must serve good to our people and future descendants.Sauk Takezhanow was the godfather of national currency who was a chairman of Planning and Budgetary Commission of Supreme Soviet of Republic of Kazakhstan. It was he who offered – tenge as the new name of currency. And this name has been chosen in closed discussion among the members of Supreme Soviet and Republic's administration.
In the beginning of nineties former Soviet and now Kazakh people who got accustomed to slow and almost unnoticeable growth of price for goods now were disturbed and confused by its increased dynamic. The rate of inflation in 1992 was 250 per cents. People do not like to remember this but it is also our history. And probably some it would be useful for extra ardent fighters to look through it again sometimes.
In July 1993 Russia infringed an agreement and Russia released new national currency having notifying Kazakhstan 3 days before that event. Prices went up with a leap. Money of people in savings accounts started to devalue very soon. Soviet banknotes of old standard flew to Kazakhstan. Goods and commodity products were rapidly disappearing from the shops.
The day before new currency reform was taken, the Head of the Country made a speech explaining the aims of it and necessity of it. This statement reassured the people. The order and conditions of change were discussed everywhere. The beginning of change started at 8 o'clock a.m. in November 15/1993 and finished at 20 o'clock p.m. in November 20/1993.
But there were plenty of procedure nuances of releasing of national currency. Such as delivery to the place of giving out cash to the people, or establishing a period of changing soviet roubles to new currency, or establishing a limit of change for a person or an organization, making new currency gold based. In 1993 the changing rate was 500 roubles to one tenge. First samples of tenge were of British origin as the contracts for manufacture of banknotes has been signed with the largest English company. For the short haul the Republic has been provided with cash money.
Almost simultaneously with the introduction of banknotes, Ulba metal plant in UstKamenogorsk city has begun the preparation on release of the first Kazakhstan coins. In order the country could provide itself with paper money, it has been decided to create a banknote factory in Almaty. This decision has been made in May, 1992 and fixed in the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On creation of printing factory of the National State bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan”. Regional State Enterprise “Kazakhstan Mint” has received a certificate on registration in November, 1998.
Initially tiyns – hundredth parts tenge, were made in paper form, coins made of brass with denominational value 2, 5, 10 and 50 tiyns have been manufactured later.
But their century has appeared to be short. Being not introduced in circulation properly, they had been depreciated and had been withdrawn from cash-flow cycle.
Coins
In 1993, coins were introduced in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 tiyn, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 tenge. 50 tenge were introduced in 1997, followed by 100 tenge in 2002 and 2 tenge in 2005.Commemorative coins are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000 and 10,000 tenge. Silver and gold bullion coins exist in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 tenge.
Banknotes
In 1993, the National Bank of Kazakhstan issued notes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 tiyn, 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 tenge. These were followed by 500 and 1,000 tenge notes in 1994. 2,000 tenge notes were introduced in 1996, with 5,000 tenge in 1998 and 10,000 tenge in 2003.Banknotes of 2006 uses the greatest possible quantity of protective elements determined without special means, i.e. visual and visible in formation light, as well as determined by feel.
Banknotes have also some latent elements distinguished by means of special technical devices, but the main accent is made nevertheless to the fast and simple establishment of the banknote authenticity. From among the widespread protective elements we can note watermarks, coincidental images, optically changing paint, microtext, etc.
Also banknotes completely exclude the probability of erroneous perception or recognition of any denominational value as all denominational values differ both by colors, and by size. The color palette is selected so that to create a positive and easily recognized image of banknotes of any value.
Every subsequent denominational value is bigger than the previous one by 4 mm in length and by 3 mm in width.
In the central part of obverse side of banknotes we can see the monument "Astana-Baiterek" – the achievement of the modern Kazakhstan architecture, a design and engineering idea, a symbol of development of independent Kazakhstan. In the middle part of a banknote on the color strips we can see fragments of notes of the national anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan which has a digital designation of denominational value. To the left of “Baiterek” monument there is the State Emblem of the Republic of Kazakhstan put on the banknote using one color. In the top right part there is the image of the national flag. In the bottom part of the banknote there is an open palm of a hand, in classical heraldry symbolizing belief, sincerity and justice. On banknotes with denominational value 200 and 500 tenge there is a letter designation of denominational value in the state language which is located vertically in the bottom right corner, on the banknotes with denominational value 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 tenge such letter designation of denominational value is located beneath, to the left.
The inscription “ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ” on denominational values 200 and 500 tenge is located under the notes of the national anthem, and on Denominational values 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 tenge – vertically, beneath, to the right. The reverse side of banknotes contains images of landscapes and modern objects of architecture which are located in the territory of the country. They are framed with a contour of the map of Kazakhstan. To the left, underneath left and from above, to the right, there is a digital designation of the denominational value of banknotes, and from below in the middle - there is a letter designation of banknotes in Russian language. From above, in the middle there is an inscription “ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ” and the logo of bank-emitter is printed.
On November, 15, 2008 it will be a 15-th anniversary from the date of introduction of the national currency of the sovereign Kazakhstan - tenge. In commemoration of this event the National Bank of Kazakhstan has issued a memorable anniversary banknote with denominational value of 5 000 tenge on July, 8, 2008.
KZT banknotes pictures gallery
| 200 Kazakhstani tenge | |
|---|---|
| Banknote of 200 Kazakhstani tenge has dimensions 126×64 mm and main colors are blue, feldgrau, sunset, dark khaki and aurometalsaurus. | |
 Obverse side of the 200 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the Astan-Baiterek monument. In the middle of the banknote a fragment of music of the Kazakhstan National Anthem is printed in white on blue, brown and green stripes. Over the fragment of music is the white outline of the value numeral. To the left of the monument the Kazakhstan National Emblem is printed in green. The Kazakhstan National Flag is on the top right of the note. On the lower half of the note is an open hand. The face value, in Kazakh script, is shown vertically in the lower right corner. The name of the issuing bank, in the Kazakh language, is under the Kazakhstan National symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan. |
 Reverse side of the 200 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the building of the RK Transport and Communication Ministry and a winged snow leopard on the bridge over the river Ishim in the capital Astana. In the background is the building of the RK Ministry of Defense and the steppes. The value numeral is shown both on the lower left corner and upper right corner. The face value, in Russian script, is shown in the middle of the lower half of the note. The name of the issuing bank, in the Kazakh language, and the bank’s logo are in the middle of the upper half of the note. In the top left corner, on the white area, there is an inscription in Russian stating that counterfeiting banknotes is against the law. |
| 500 Kazakhstani tenge | |
|---|---|
| Banknote of 500 Kazakhstani tenge has dimensions 130×67 mm and main colors are st. patrick’s blue, medium jungle green, pale aqua, lavender mist and outer space. | |
 Obverse side of the 500 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the Astan-Baiterek monument. In the middle of the banknote a fragment of music of the Kazakhstan National Anthem. |
 Reverse side of the 500 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the portrait of RK Ministry of Finance and Akimat (the city hall) of Astana. In the background are gulls over the sea. |
| 1000 Kazakhstani tenge | |
|---|---|
| Banknote of 1000 Kazakhstani tenge has dimensions 134×70 mm and main colors are field drab, sepia, shadow, pearl and white smoke. Date of issue of 1000 Kazakhstani tenge banknote was May 25 , 2011. | |
 Obverse side of the 1000 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the mausoleum of Hodja Akhmed Yassavi. On the right is the official logo of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. |
 Reverse side of the 1000 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the mausoleum of Hodja Akhmed Yassavi. The face value is placed in the bottom left, in the middle and the right part. |
| 2000 Kazakhstani tenge | |
|---|---|
| Banknote of 2000 Kazakhstani tenge has dimensions 139×73 mm and main colors are cal poly pomona green, platinum, lapis lazuli and pastel gray. Date of issue of 2000 Kazakhstani tenge banknote was January 17 , 2011. | |
 Obverse side of the 2000 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the Astan-Baiterek monument. |
 Reverse side of the 2000 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the skier against mountain background and symbols of 7th Asian Winter Games. |
| 5000 Kazakhstani tenge | |
|---|---|
| Banknote of 5000 Kazakhstani tenge has dimensions 144×76 mm and main colors are taupe, grullo, medium jungle green, timberwolf, gray and gainsboro. | |
 Obverse side of the 5000 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the “Astana-Baiterek” monument. |
 Reverse side of the 5000 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the Independence Monument and the Kazakhstan hotel in Almaty are in the foreground and mountains in the background. |
| 10000 Kazakhstani tenge | |
|---|---|
| Banknote of 10000 Kazakhstani tenge has dimensions 149×79 mm and main colors are ucla blue, sapphire, davy’s grey, old lavender, dim gray and pastel blue. Date of issue of 10000 Kazakhstani tenge banknote was July 4 , 2011. | |
 Obverse side of the 10000 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the "Kazak Eli " monument on the right side of the banknote and images of flying pigeons at the bottom in the middle. |
 Reverse side of the 10000 Kazakhstani tenge is showing the Residence of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. |
Useful links
- About National Bank of Republic of Kazakhstan:
- National Bank of Republic of Kazakhstan
- List of currencies:
- Currencies
- Security and design features of KZT banknotes:
- KZT banknotes
- KZT currency on Wikipedia:
- Kazakhstani tenge
- Official Website of National Bank of Republic of Kazakhstan:
- www.nationalbank.kz
- Commemorative coins:
- Commemorative Coins