The Central Bank of Russia reported that more than 1.1 million people have voted in its online poll to select symbols for a RUB 500 banknote dedicated to the North Caucasian Federal District, with the results intended to inform the banknote’s design. Among Pyatigorsk landmarks proposed for the front of the banknote, the most popular options are the Academic (Elizabethan) Gallery, the sculpture of an eagle tormenting a snake, Mount Beshtau, and the Lermontov Gallery. For the back, the leading choices are Mount Elbrus, Grozny City, and the Fortress Buildings of Derbent. Deputy Governor Sergey Belov said the Bank is not seeking a single main symbol, and that the vote winners could be used either as the central motif or as a background ornament. Final results are due to be announced at 12.00 Moscow time on 14 October 2025.
Central Bank of Russia 2025-10-08
Central Bank of Russia reports over 1.1 million votes in poll to choose symbols for North Caucasian Federal District RUB 500 banknote
The Central Bank of Russia announced that over 1.1 million people participated in an online poll to select symbols for a RUB 500 banknote dedicated to the North Caucasian Federal District. Popular choices for the front include the Academic Gallery and Mount Beshtau, while Mount Elbrus and Grozny City lead for the back. Deputy Governor Sergey Belov stated that the winning symbols could serve as either the central motif or a background ornament.