The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan published an explainer on the national currency, the somoni, framing it as both an economic instrument and a state symbol that underpins Tajikistan’s political and economic independence and supports an independent monetary and credit policy. The note reviews the transition from using the Russian ruble until 1995, to the launch of the Tajik ruble on 10 May 1995, and then to the introduction of the somoni following the 1997 General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord. It also points to the presidential decree of 26 October 2000 and the entry into circulation of the somoni on 30 October 2000, describing the currency’s naming after Ismoil Somoni and the use of national historical figures and architectural monuments on banknotes as part of its cultural and statehood significance.