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RE: Krunk's Fiat Museum: Currency Of Belarus: The "First Rouble", 1992–2000

in LeoFinance • 4 years ago

That's some collection, looking forward to see more of your collections of other countries. I had some Saudi and Kuwaiti notes and coins from late 60's and early to mid 70's (My father spent some time in these countries), unfortunately, those were lost during the shifting to new house during 90's.

I agree, I haven't heard 3 and 25 notes up until reading this post.

What is the significance of using the images of animals on the notes, normally, countries use their famous people, buildings and places?

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4 years ago in LeoFinance by
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     4 years ago  

    Thanks Mobi :), shame about the Saudi/Kuwaiti currency getting lost.

    I didn't know the answer to your question so I had a look online but couldn't find anything specifically about why images of animals were chosen. I know that this was the first time the Belarus National Bank had printed its own currency and was separating itself from the Russian rouble, so perhaps they chose neutral images so as not to ruffle their Eastern Big Brother's feathers......just speculation on my part.

    Below is some info I found here:

    1992-1999

    After the collapse of the Soviet Union which subsequently saw Belarus gain its independence, banknotes of the State Bank of the USSR were in circulation in The Republic of Belarus for some time and this was then followed by banknotes issued by the Bank of Russia. May 1992, is the year the first Belarusian ruble was printed, because up until this point Belarus did not have a license or in fact the capacity to be able to print Soviet Union banknotes. During this time, there was a demand from the former Soviet enterprises that goods were to be bought and sold on the market, which often required cash settlement, and it was at this point that the Belarusian government came to an agreement to introduce their own national currency in an effort to ease up the situation with cash, by using it as a supplement with the Soviet ruble and the Russian ruble and as a result 1, 3, 5,10, 25,50 and 100 rublei denominations were established, this was followed by the addition of 200 and 500 rublei in the same year, 1,000 rublei in 1993, 5,000 and 20,000 rublei in 1994, 50,000 rublei in 1995 ,100,000 rublei in 1996, 500,000 rublei in 1998, 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 rublei in 1999.

    The introduction of the higher denominations was due to inflation, which happened fairly quickly. The first set of banknotes that were printed had an animal theme, which included a hare, a beaver, a squirrel, wolves, a lynx, an elk, a bear and a bison; which was deemed to be a symbol of Belarus. When the 200 and 500 rublei were printed, the theme changed to famous landmarks, monuments and buildings in Belarus.

    The Belarusian ruble did eventually replace the Soviet and the Russian ruble, although it did take two years and various developments before it was declared as the official currency of The Republic of Belarus, in May 1994.

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughts.

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       4 years ago  

      That's some interesting information. Thanks for searching for it ans sharing it with us.

      After reading these higher denominations the first currency came to my mind was Afghani currency which also had these type of higher denominations, don't know the current situation, though, would have to see on the net.

      Once again, it was interesting reading the information you shared, both in the post and in the comment.

      Have a nice and safe day.