In 2025, Kazakhstan and Belarus issued commemorative banknotes dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II. Kazakhstan introduced a 1,000-tenge note, while Belarus released an 80-ruble note. These releases not only honor a historic event but also reflect the national pride and cultural heritage of both countries. This article examines the technical specifications, symbolism, and significance of these banknotes, as well as their role in the numismatic world.

Kazakhstan’s 1,000-Tenge Banknote

The new commemorative 1,000-tenge banknote (B161a), introduced on May 9, 2025, is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory in World War II. Its value is approximately US$2.65. The banknote was produced by the Banknote and Coin Factory of the National Bank of Kazakhstan (BFoNBK) and features a color palette of yellow, red, and brown-beige. Specific details regarding its dimensions, security thread, and watermark are currently unconfirmed, but it is known to be made of paper.

The front (in vertical orientation) includes Kazakh text, an image of cranes in flight, an eternal flame, the Memorial of Glory in Panfilov Park in Almaty, and the national emblem of Kazakhstan. These elements symbolize the memory of war heroes and national unity.

The back features an outline map of Kazakhstan with fragments of historical archival photos reflecting wartime, alongside an image of the Order of the Patriotic War medal. This design underscores the historical significance of the Victory and Kazakhstan’s contribution to the fight against fascism.

Signed by the Chairman of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, Suleymanov, the banknote has a prefix AA and a print run of 5,000,000 units. Its release coincides with Victory Day, adding to its symbolic importance.

Belarus’s 80-Ruble Banknote

Belarus issued a commemorative 80-ruble banknote (B149a) on March 31, 2025, also dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. Valued at approximately US$40, the banknote has a limited print run of 80,000 units, making it particularly valuable for collectors. Produced by Goznak, it is made of paper and features a color scheme of purple, brown, red, pink, and yellow.

The front includes Belarusian text, the denomination as a security feature, an image of an unidentified church, the Courage monument from the Brest Fortress Hero Memorial Complex, windmills, an outline map of Belarus, a bird on a globe, and a standing female statue. These elements reflect Belarus’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as the heroism of its people.

The back depicts the Minsk Gate, a child’s hand grasping an adult’s hand, an apple blossom, birds in flight, and the denomination as a security feature. These symbols emphasize peace, unity, and hope for the future, made possible by the Victory.

The banknote bears the prefix РБ but lacks a signature, which is unusual for such releases. Information about the security thread and watermark is currently unconfirmed, and the dimensions remain unknown.

Symbolism and Historical Significance

Both banknotes carry profound symbolic meaning, reflecting the contributions of Kazakhstan and Belarus to the victory in World War II. In Kazakhstan, the cranes in flight symbolize the souls of fallen soldiers, while the eternal flame and Memorial of Glory commemorate heroic deeds. The archival photos on the back highlight historical memory, and the Order of the Patriotic War medal represents recognition of heroism.

In Belarus, the Courage monument at the Brest Fortress is one of the most iconic symbols of resistance during the war. Images of the Minsk Gate, a child’s hand, and an apple blossom symbolize peace, renewal, and hope. Birds on both sides of the banknote represent freedom, while the outline map of Belarus underscores national unity.

These banknotes not only honor a historic event but also serve as tools of national pride. They remind contemporary generations of the cost of victory and the importance of preserving peace.

Economic and Collectible Role

In Kazakhstan, the tenge is the primary currency, and the 1,000-tenge commemorative banknote is fully legal tender. However, its large print run of 5,000,000 units suggests a mass release, which may limit its collectible value compared to rarer issues. Nevertheless, its association with Victory Day and the high-quality design by BFoNBK make it appealing to collectors both in Kazakhstan and abroad.

In Belarus, the ruble is the main currency, but the 80-ruble banknote is primarily a collectible item due to its limited print run of 80,000 units. Its high nominal value (US$40) and unique design by Goznak make it desirable for numismatists. Previous Belarusian commemorative releases, such as those dedicated to sports events or historical anniversaries, have often sold out quickly, indicating potential demand for this issue.

Place in the Numismatic World

The commemorative banknotes of Kazakhstan and Belarus are part of a broader tradition of issues dedicated to significant historical events. In Kazakhstan, previous commemorative banknotes, such as those marking cultural or astronomical events, have gained popularity due to their high-quality printing and unique designs. The new 1,000-tenge banknote is likely to continue this trend, particularly given its connection to Victory Day.

In Belarus, commemorative banknotes tied to anniversaries or cultural events also enjoy significant demand among collectors. The limited print run of the 80-ruble banknote and its symbolic design, incorporating elements of the Brest Fortress, make it a potentially valuable addition to numismatic collections.

Conclusion

The new commemorative banknotes of Kazakhstan (1,000 tenge) and Belarus (80 rubles), issued in 2025, are significant symbols honoring the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II. Their designs reflect historical memory, national pride, and the cultural heritage of both countries. While the Kazakh banknote has a broader print run and can be used as legal tender, the Belarusian banknote, with its limited circulation, is primarily a collectible item.

For numismatists, these banknotes will be valuable additions to collections, and for the wider public, they serve as a reminder of a heroic past and the importance of peace. Such releases highlight the role of currency as not only an economic but also a cultural tool, contributing to the preservation of historical memory.

Vitalii Cherniuk (ibns 13299-R)

CEO World Vanknote Store