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Kyrgyz som facts for kids

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Kyrgyz som
100 som note (2016)
100 som note (2016)
ISO 4217 Code KGS
User(s) Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan
Inflation 7.3% (December 2023)
Subunit
1100 tyiyn
Symbol
Plural The language(s) of this currency does not have a morphological plural distinction.
Coins
Freq. used 1, 3, 5, 10 som
Rarely used 1, 10, 50 tyiyn
Banknotes
Freq. used 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 som
Rarely used 1, 10, 50 tyiyn, 1, 5, 10, 2,000, 5,000 som

The som (Kyrgyz: сом; ISO code: KGS; sign: (с)) is the currency of Kyrgyzstan.

Etymology

The official name of the Soviet currency in Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek was soum, and this name appeared written on the back of banknotes, among the texts for the value of the note in all 15 official languages of the USSR. The word som (alternatively transliterated "soum" or "sum") means "pure" in Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uyghur and Uzbek, as well as in many other Turkic languages. The word implies "pure" silver or gold and thus is similar in etymology to sterling.

Currency symbol

Som sign
Currency symbol

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic approved an underlined С (es) as the official currency symbol for the som in February 2017. It is represented in Unicode as Error using : Input "20C0" is not a hexadecimal value..

History

After the collapse of the Soviet Union attempts were made by most republics to maintain a common currency. Certain politicians were hoping to at the very least maintain "special relations" among former Soviet republics, or the "near abroad". Another reason were the economic considerations for maintaining the rouble zone. The wish to preserve the strong trade relations between former Soviet republics was considered the most important goal.

The break-up of the Soviet Union was not accompanied by any formal changes in monetary arrangements. The Central Bank of Russia was authorized to take over the State Bank of the USSR (Gosbank) on 1 January 1992. It continued to ship Soviet notes and coins to the central banks of the fourteen newly independent countries, which had formerly been the main branches of Gosbank in the republics. The political situation, however, was not favourable for maintaining a common currency. Maintaining a common currency requires a strong political consensus in respect to monetary and fiscal targets, a common institution in charge of implementing these targets, and some minimum of common legislation (concerning the banking and foreign exchange regulations). These conditions were far from being met amidst the turbulent economic and political situation.

During the first half of 1992, a monetary union with 15 independent states all using the rouble existed. Since it was clear that the situation would not last, each of them was using its position as "free-riders" to issue huge amounts of money in the form of credit. As a result, some countries were issuing coupons in order to "protect" their markets from buyers from other states. The Russian central bank responded in July 1992 by setting up restrictions to the flow of credit between Russia and other states. The final collapse of the rouble zone began when Russia pulled out with the exchange of banknotes by the Central Bank of Russia on Russian territory at the end of July 1993.

The Kyrgyz som was introduced on 10 May 1993, replacing the Soviet currency at a rate of 1 som = Rbls 200. Initially only banknotes were issued, coins were not introduced until 2008.

Coins

Circulation coins were first introduced in January 2008, making Kyrgyzstan second to last of the former Soviet republics to issue them. Belarus became the last. This move came with growing demand from vendors for coins, especially from slot machine industries and those desiring a more efficient system for collecting fare money.

The coins were issued in denominations of 10 and 50 tiyin and 1, 3, and 5 som. A 10 som coin was issued a year later in 2009.

All coins are minted by the Kazakhstan mint in Ust-Kamenogorsk and bear some resemblance to coins of the Russian Federation.

Coins of the som (2008–present)
Image Value Technical parameters Description Date of
Diameter Mass Composition Edge Obverse Reverse minting issue withdrawal lapse
KG 2008 CuZn 1tyiyn a.pngKG 2008 CuZn b.png 1 tyin 14 mm 1.0 g Brass-plated steel Milled flower (гүл/ gul) Emblem of Kyrgyzstan, country name, year 2008 1 January 2008 Current, but not issued for general circulation
KG 2008 CuZn 10tyiyn a.pngKG 2008 CuZn b.png 10 tyin 15 mm 1.3 g Current
KG 2008 CuZn 50tyiyn a.pngKG 2008 CuZn b.png 50 tyin 17 mm 1.8 g
KG 2008 Ni 1som a.pngKG 2008 Ni b.png 1 som 19 mm 2.5g Nickel-plated steel Milled leather bottle, the "kookor" with symbol of a "tumar" represented by a triangle. Emblem of Kyrgyzstan, country name, year 2008 1 January 2008 Current
KG 2008 Ni 3som a.pngKG 2008 Ni b.png 3 som 21 mm 3.2 g
KG 2008 Ni 5som a.pngKG 2008 Ni b.png 5 som 23 mm 4.2 g
KG 2009 Ni 10som a.pngKG 2009 Ni 10som b.png 10 som 24.5 mm 5.4 g 2009 1 December 2009
KG 2009 Ni 10som a.pngKG 2009 Ni 10som b.png Lettering "Он сом", five-pointed star, «10 СОМ» 1 September 2014
These images are to scale at 2.5 pixels per millimetre. For table standards, see the coin specification table.

Commemorative coins

KG Ag Uzgen a
10 som (2007)

There are several commemorative non circulation coins struck in silver and gold, and a special collector's 1 tyiyn piece struck in brass. Starting in 1995, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has issued a large number of commemorative coins intended for collectors. They are not used in everyday circulation.

Banknotes

On 10 May 1993, the government issued 1, 10, and 50 tyiyn notes and the Kyrgyzstan Bank issued notes for 1, 5, and 20 som. In 1994, the Kyrgyz Bank issued a second series of notes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 som. A third series followed from 1997 onwards in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 som. A fourth series was issued in 2009 and 2010 in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 som. Several commemorative banknotes intended for collectors were also issued.

First series (1993)

Notes valued 1 and 10 tyiyin with serial numbers KT and ZT were issued in 1999. 50 tyiyins notes with serial numbers KT and ZT were issued in 2001. All others in 1993.

Notes of the first series were designed by Dmitry Lysogorov and A. P. Tsygank. They were printed by De La Rue in Great Britain.

Notes valued 1, 10, and 50 tyiyin stayed in use until coins were introduced in January 2008. Banknotes of 1, 5, and 20 som of the first series were gradually withdrawn from circulation and replaced with banknotes of the second series starting in 1994.

First series (1993)
Image Value Dimensions Description Date of
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark Printing Issue Withdrawal Lapse
KyrgyzstanP1-1Tyiyn-(1993)-doy f.jpg KyrgyzstanP1-1Tyiyn-(1993)-doy b.jpg 1 tyiyn 90×70 mm Value, Kyrgyz eagle Value, Emblem of Kyrgyzstan Repeating eagle (1993 issue).
Mushroom shaped ornament (1999 and 2001 issue).
No date 10 May 1993 Current, but no longer issued and rarely seen in circulation.
KyrgyzstanP2-10Tyiyn-(1993)-doy f.jpg KyrgyzstanP2-10Tyiyn-(1993)-doy b.jpg 10 tyiyn
KyrgyzstanP3-50Tyiyn-(1993)-doy f.jpg KyrgyzstanP3-50Tyiyn-(1993)-doy b.jpg 50 tyiyn
KyrgyzstanP4-1Som-(1993)-doy f.jpg KyrgyzstanP4-1Som-(1993)-doy b.jpg 1 som 140×70 mm Value, Manas Value, Manas Ordo Repeating eagle
KyrgyzstanP5-5Som-(1993)-doy f.jpg KyrgyzstanP5-5Som-(1993)-doy b.jpg 5 som
KyrgyzstanP6-20Som-(1993)-doy f.jpg KyrgyzstanP6-20Som-1993-donatedoy b.jpg 20 som
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.

Second series (1994–1995)

The second series of banknotes followed in 1994-1995 when "the banknotes of the stabilization period" were issued. These banknotes had a better counterfeit protection than the banknotes of the first series.

Second series (1994–1995)
Image Value Dimensions Description Date of
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark printing issue withdrawal lapse
1 som 1994 ob.jpg 1 som 1994 rev.jpg 1 som 135 х 65 mm Abdylas Maldybaev Komuz, kylkyak, Bishkek Philharmonic Orchestra Toktogul Satylganov No date 11 April 1994 Current, but no longer issued and rarely seen in circulation.
5 som 1994 ob.jpg 5 som 1994 rev.jpg 5 som Bubusara Beyshenalieva Kyrgyz National Opera
10 som 1994 ob.jpg 10 som 1994 rev.jpg 10 som Kasym Tynystanov Mountain ranges of Kyrgyzstan and the Dzhety-Oguz tract 28 January 1994
20 som 1994 ob.jpg 20 som 1994 rev.jpg 20 som Togolok Moldo Manas Mausoleum 11 April 1994
50 som 1994 ob.jpg 50 som 1994 rev.jpg 50 som Kurmanjan Datka Uzgen architectural complex of the 11-12th centuries 29 August 1994
100 som 1994 ob.jpg 100 som 1994 rev.jpg 100 som Toktogul Satylganov Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station 20 March 1995
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.

Third series (1997–2005)

Starting in 1997, a new series of banknotes was introduced with similar themes, but enhanced design, compared to the previous series.

In January 2008 coins of 1 and 5 som and in December 2009 coins of 10 som were introduced. As a result, production of banknotes of these values ceased. The banknotes were however not removed from circulation, but are instead being phased out. In January 2008 the Kyrgyz National Bank estimated that within 2 years the 1 and 5 som banknotes would have almost completely disappeared from circulation.

Third series (1997–2005)
Image Value Dimensions Description Date of
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark printing issue withdrawal lapse
KyrgyzstanP15-1Som-1999(2000) a.jpg KyrgyzstanP15-1Som-1999(2000) b.jpg 1 som 120 × 60 mm Abdylas Maldybaev Komuz, kylkyak,
Bishkek Philharmonic Orchestra
As portrait 1999 7 February 2000 Current. But no longer issued.
KyrgyzstanP13-5Som-1997 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP13-5Som-1997 b.jpg 5 som 135 х 65 mm Bubusara Beyshenalieva Kyrgyz National Opera 1997 17 December 1997
KyrgyzstanP14-10Som-1997 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP14-10Som-1997 b.jpg 10 som Kasym Tynystanov Mountain ranges of Kyrgyzstan and the Dzhety-Oguz tract
KyrgyzstanP19-20Som-2002 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP19-20Som-2002 b.jpg 20 som Togolok Moldo Manas Mausoleum As portrait, and value 2002 15 August 2002
KyrgyzstanP20-50Som-2002 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP20-50Som-2002 b.jpg 50 som 145 × 70 mm Kurmanjan Datka Uzgen architectural complex of the 11-12th centuries
KyrgyzstanP21-100Som-2002 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP21-100Som-2002 b.jpg 100 som 150 × 72 mm Toktogul Satylganov Khan Tengri
KyrgyzstanP22-200Som-2000 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP22-200Som-2000 b.jpg 200 som 155 × 74 mm Alykul Osmonov Lake Issyk Kul 2000 28 August 2000
KyrgyzstanP22-200Som-2004 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP22-200Som-2004 b.jpg 2004 2 August 2004
KyrgyzstanP22-500Som-2000 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP22-500Som-2000 b.jpg 500 som 160 × 76 mm Sayakbay Karalaev Sayakbay Karalaev and images from the Manas (epic) 2000 28 August 2000
KyrgyzstanP23-500Som-2005 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP23-500Som-2005 b.jpg 2005 1 November 2005
KyrgyzstanP18-1000Som-2000 a.jpg KyrgyzstanP18-1000Som-2000 b.jpg 1,000 som 165 × 78 mm Jusup Balasagyn Takhti Sulaiman, Mount Sulaiman 2000 28 August 2000
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.

Fourth series (2009–2016)

In 2009 the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic issued a 5,000 som note. Later new editions for 20, 50, and 100 som denominations followed. Among other things, these notes have enhanced security features compared to the previous series.

Fourth series (2009–2016)
Image Value Dimensions Description Date of
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark Printing Issue Withdrawal Lapse
20 som 2009 ob.jpg 20 som 2009 rev.jpg 20 som 120 × 58 mm Togolok Moldo Tash Rabat As portrait 2009 1 July 2009 current
2016-20 сом Абдыгулов-лс.jpg 2016-20 сом Абдыгулов-ос.jpg 2016 20 December 2018
50 som 2009 ob.jpg 50 som 2009 rev.jpg 50 som 126 × 61 mm Kurmanjan Datka Minaret and mausoleum 2009 1 July 2009
50 som 2016 ob.jpg 50 som 2016 rev.jpg 2016 1 March 2017
100 som 2009 ob.jpg 100 som 2009 rev.jpg 100 som 132 × 63 mm Toktogul Satylganov Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station 2009 1 July 2009
100 som 2016 ob.jpg 100 som 2016 rev.jpg 2016 1 March 2017
200 som 2010 ob.jpg 200 som 2010 rev.jpg 200 som 138 × 66 mm Alykul Osmonov Lake Issyk-Kul 2010 1 December 2010
200 som 2016 ob.jpg 200 som 2016 rev.jpg 2016 1 January 2017
500 som 2010 ob.jpg 500 som 2010 rev.jpg 500 som 144 × 68 mm Sayakbay Karalaev Manas Mausoleum 2010 1 December 2010
500 som 2016 ob.jpg 500 som 2016 rev.jpg 2016 1 January 2017
1000 som 2010 ob.jpg 1000 som 2010 rev.jpg 1,000 som 150 × 71 mm Jusup Balasagyn Takhti Sulaiman, Mount Sulaiman 2010 1 December 2010
2016 1 January 2017
5000 som 2009 ob.jpg 5000 som 2009 rev.jpg 5,000 som 156 × 73 mm Suimenkul Chokmorov Ala-Too Square 2009 2 March 2009
2016 20 December 2018
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.

Fifth series (2023)

Fifth series (2023)
Image Value Dimensions Description Date of
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark Printing Issue Withdrawal Lapse
Obverse 20 som 2024.jpg Reverse 20 som 2024.jpg 20 som 120 × 58 mm Togolok Moldo Tash Rabat Togolok Moldo 2023 15 February 2024 current
Obverse 50 som 2024.jpg Reverse 50 som 2024.jpg 50 som 126 × 61 mm Kurmanjan Datka Minaret and mausoleum Kurmanjan Datka
Obverse 100 som 2024.jpg Reverse 100 som 2024.jpg 100 som 132 × 63 mm Toktogul Satylganov Toktogul Dam Toktogul Satylganov
Obverse 200 som 2023.jpg Reverse 200 som 2023.jpg 200 som 138 × 66 mm Alykul Osmonov Lake Issyk-Kul Alykul Osmonov 10 May 2023
Obverse 500 som 2023.jpg Reverse 500 som 2023.jpg 500 som 144 × 68 mm Sayakbay Karalaev Manas Mausoleum Sayakbay Karalaev
Obverse 1000 som 2023.jpg Reverse 1000 som 2023.jpg 1,000 som 150 × 71 mm Jusup Balasagyn Takhti Sulaiman Jusup Balasagyn
5,000 som 156 x 73 mm Suimenkul Chokmorov Ala-Too Suimenkul Chokmorov 10 May 2024

Commemorative banknotes

In October 2014 banknotes commemorating the 150th birthdate of Toktogul Satylganov and the 100th birthdate of Alykul Osmonov were issued for sale to collectors. Only 3,000 of each were printed.

A commemorative 2,000 som banknote in honor of the 25th anniversary of independence and the introduction of the som was issued in November 2017.

Commemorative banknotes
Image Value Dimensions Description Date of
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark Printing Issue Withdrawal Lapse
100 som 2014 ob.jpg 100 som 2009 rev.jpg 100 som 132 × 63 mm Toktogul Satylganov Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station Toktogul Satylganov 2009 20 October 2014 current
200 som 2014 ob.jpg 200 som 2010 rev.jpg 200 som 138 × 66 mm Alykul Osmonov Lake Issyk-Kul Toktogul Satylganov 2009
2000 som 2017 ob.png 2000 som 2017 rev.png 2,000 som 156 × 73 mm Monument of Manas, a stylised yurt, symbol of "Umai Ene" in the background Stylised tree, Khan Tengri mountain, eagle flying over lake Issyk-Kul Toktogul Satylganov 2017 17 November 2017
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.

Exchange rates

E7869-Dordoy-Bazaar
One of many currency exchange kiosks in Bishkek's Dordoy Bazaar, quoting value of foreign currencies in Kyrgyz som
Current KGS exchange rates
From Google Finance: AUD CAD CHF EUR GBP HKD JPY USD KZT
From Yahoo! Finance: AUD CAD CHF EUR GBP HKD JPY USD KZT
From XE.com: AUD CAD CHF EUR GBP HKD JPY USD KZT
From OANDA: AUD CAD CHF EUR GBP HKD JPY USD KZT
From fxtop.com: AUD CAD CHF EUR GBP HKD JPY USD KZT

See also

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Kyrgyz som Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.