Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of the introduction of Tajikistan’s national currency, the somoni, a key milestone in the country’s post-independence economic development.

After gaining independence in 1991, Tajikistan continued using the Soviet ruble until late 1993. It was then temporarily replaced by the Russian ruble on January 1, 1994. On May 6, 1995, the Tajik ruble was introduced as an interim currency.

The current national currency — named after the medieval Tajik statesman Ismoili Somoni — officially entered circulation on October 30, 2000.

The initial release included banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 somoni, along with coins and smaller notes in 1, 5, 20, and 50 dirams. The banknotes featured prominent historical and cultural figures, architectural landmarks, and elements of Tajik applied arts and daily life.

Currency evolution: from coins to higher denominations

On September 3, 2001, the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) issued the first metal coins in denominations of 1, 3, and 5 somoni, as well as 5, 10, 20, 25, and 50 dirams, minted at the St. Petersburg Mint in Russia.

Later, on September 10, 2010, Tajikistan introduced new high-denomination banknotes of 3, 200, and 500 somoni, along with redesigned 1, 5, 10, and 20 somoni notes featuring updated color schemes. The NBT explained that these changes were part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s monetary system.

However, independent economists noted that the release of higher-denomination bills often reflects rising inflation and currency devaluation. Prior to 2010, the largest banknote in circulation had been the 100 somoni note.

In December 2012, new versions of the 5 and 10 somoni banknotes were issued with holographic security elements. Starting March 5, 2013, modified 20, 50, and 100 somoni banknotes included enhanced security features, such as laser-engraved serial numbers with raised texture.

On August 31, 2017, the NBT issued additional updates to 10, 20, 50, and 100 somoni notes. These featured redesigned security strips, smaller emblems, and wider security threads on the reverse side.

A proposal for a 1000 somoni note

In September 2016, Sharif Karimov, then head of the branch of the state-run insurance company Tojiksughurta in Shahrinav district, publicly proposed issuing a 1,000 somoni banknote bearing the image of President Emomali Rahmon. The suggestion, published in the government-run Tajikistan newspaper, received no official response and was never implemented.