History:The national currency of Kyrgyzstan is known as the som, and it is represented by the international code KGS. The decision to establish this national currency was officially endorsed by the country's Parliament on May 10, 1993, and the initial som notes and coins entered circulation during the summer of 1993. Remarkably, Kyrgyzstan became the first country within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) apart from Russia to introduce its own distinctive currency.
How many denominations of banknotes does the currency in Kyrgyzstan have?Presently, there are som banknotes available in various denominations, including
20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 5000 soms, along with coins in denominations of 1, 3, 5, and 10 soms. Although it is theoretically divisible into 100 tyiyn, these smaller units are rarely used in practice. Occasionally, you may come across a 50 tyiyn coin in circulation, but generally, 1 som represents the smallest practical unit.
Whose portraits or images appear on Kyrgyzstan's banknotes?- 5000 som that is the highest denomination, the banknote, you'll find Suimenkul Chokmorov, a celebrated film actor, and a depiction of Ala-Too Square in Bishkek.
- 1000 som note, along with the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sulayman Too, located in Osh.
- 500 som bill portrays Sayakbay Karalaev, a renowned manaschi, and the Manas Mausoleum in Talas. Yusuf Balasagun, a famous poet from the Karakhanid Empire
- 200 som banknote showcases Alykul Osmonov, a prominent 20th-century poet, and a panoramic view of Lake Issyk-Kul.
- 100 som note, you can find Toktogul Satylganov, another celebrated musician, alongside the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station, which bears his name.
- 50 som bill features Kurmanjan Datka, a prominent female leader during the Khanate of Kokand, and the minaret and mausoleum in Uzgen.
- 20 som banknote highlights the renowned musician Togolok Moldo and the historic Tash Rabat caravanserai in Naryn.