The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan has published a review marking 26 years of the somoni in circulation, examining its role in independent monetary policy and the security features of existing banknotes. The review traces the currency’s development and explains earlier changes to denominations and banknote materials. The somoni entered circulation on Oct. 30, 2000, enabling Tajikistan to establish its own monetary and exchange rate policies. Banknotes worth 3, 200 and 500 somoni followed in September 2010 to facilitate cash transactions, reduce printing costs and curb the widespread use of foreign currency in domestic transactions. Banknotes in the 2021 series contain 80% cotton fiber and 20% polymer, with embedded security fibers that appear red, blue and green under ultraviolet light. Existing authentication features vary by banknote design and year of issue. They include watermarks and security threads, as well as optical elements that change appearance with the viewing angle. Raised markings also allow people with visual impairments to identify banknotes by touch.
National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan reviews 26 years of the somoni and existing banknote safeguards
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan reviewed the somoni’s 26 years in circulation, covering its monetary policy role and existing security features. The review recalled the 2010 denomination additions intended to facilitate cash payments, lower printing costs and limit domestic foreign currency use. It also detailed the 2021 banknote series’ 80% cotton and 20% polymer composition and authentication safeguards.