Tajikistan’s 100-Somoni Banknote Shortlisted Among World’s Best in 2025 IBNS Competition
Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: The 100-somoni banknote issued by Tajikistan in 2025 has been recognized among the world’s best banknotes in the prestigious annual “Banknote of the Year” competition organized by the International Banknote Society (IBNS).
According to the IBNS, nearly 100 new banknotes were introduced globally in 2025; however, only 17 were shortlisted for their excellence in design innovation and advanced security features. Tajikistan’s entry stood out as a representative of Central Asia, alongside submissions from Russia and Kazakhstan, which entered with their 1,000-ruble and 1,000-tenge banknotes, respectively.
The Tajik 100-somoni note features a vibrant, multi-colored design dominated by shades of blue, light blue, pink, and green. Its artistic composition reflects the country’s national heritage and statehood. The obverse side prominently depicts Ismaili Somoni, the founder of the first centralized Tajik state, along with the historic Samanid Mausoleum. Additional elements include the national coat of arms, a commemorative 25th-anniversary logo, and intricate geometric patterns.
On the reverse, the design highlights Tajikistan’s modern statehood, featuring the new parliament building, the national flag, and inscriptions in both Tajik and English.
Significant emphasis has been placed on security features. The banknote incorporates a watermark portrait of Ismaili Somoni, color-shifting “Rolling Star” elements, a windowed security thread with dynamic effects, a concealed “100” numeral, and complex overlapping geometric structures to deter counterfeiting.
The note was printed by the German security printing company Giesecke & Devrient and is scheduled to enter circulation on October 30, 2025.
Despite receiving high recognition and making the shortlist, the Tajik banknote did not secure a top position in the competition. The top honor was awarded to the 200-guilder banknote of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, noted for its “underwater world” theme and innovative hybrid layout combining horizontal and vertical orientations. Fiji’s $5 banknote secured second place, followed by Zambia’s 100-kwacha note in third position, while entries from the Falkland Islands and Papua New Guinea also ranked among the top five.
The IBNS emphasized that the competition showcases banknotes not merely as instruments of payment, but as artistic and cultural symbols reflecting national identity. Inclusion in the shortlist is widely regarded as a significant mark of international recognition.
