This small Tajik banknote represents the 4th denomination of the Ruble (Series 1994). The Tajik Ruble was introduced on 10 May 1995, as a replacement for the Soviet and Russian Ruble. Which served as the national currency of Tajikistan, after the collapse of the Soviet Union (1922-1991).
As the poorest former Soviet Republic, Tajikistan was the last to adopt its own currency. Even when including the unrecognized republic of Transnistria. The notes were simple, printed on 7th Soviet Ruble paper stock. with the assistance of Russian printer Goznak. Which is made apparent by the reuse of some Soviet-era templates.
On 29 October 2000, the Tajik Ruble was replaced by the Somoni. At a rate of 1,000 Rubles to 1 Somoni.
Observe
The note's observe is ornate, reusing elements of the Soviet 1 Ruble. At the center is the note's "20 Ruble" (БИСТ 20 РУБЛ) face value, on a guilloché backing. Notably the text has been changed to Tajik, rather than Russian. Russian being the de-facto language of all Soviet currency.
Additionally the observe frame is a reused element. Although with some subtle changes, from the soviet original. The header reads "БОНКИ МИЛЛИИ ҶУМҲУРИИ", for the "National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan". The original Soviet example read, "Note of State Bank of the USSR". The footer features the note's print date (1994), similar to previous Soviet notes.
One significant change are the large framed number "20"s, attached to the header and footer. These simply indicate the note's 20 Ruble value, although originally they contained text. The header section being the simpler, had "CCCP" in ornate letters, representing the "USSR". While footer section had a notification, stating the note was backed by, "Gold Precious Metals and Other Assets".
At the note center-left, is the Tajik Coat of Arms. This replaced the earlier Emblem of the Soviet Union. Moving to the far-right is the note's watermark area. It contains the note's serial number (AE 4280165) and an additional number "20", on a guilloché backing.
Like many post-Soviet banknotes, the watermark covers the note's surface. It features repeating star patterns, separated by waving lines. Similar to the 1991 Soviet 1 Ruble banknote.
Reverse
The reverse depicts the Tajik Supreme Assembly parliament building, with an enormous national flag soaring overhead. The prior to 1994, this building was known as the "Supreme Soviet of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic". Notably this reverse art is an almost entirely a new design.
This new reverse art lists the note's "БИСТ РУБЛ" (Twenty Ruble) value, on its footer. Above is a pair of number "20"s, reinforcing this value. Moving to the far left is the watermark area. At it's top is a warning to would be counterfeiters. It translates to, "To counterfeit the banknotes of the National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan is punishable by law".
At the bottom of the watermark area, is an additional number "20". This final number "20" is a backed by a star-shaped guilloché backing. In the form of a double 6-poined star, rather than the observe design. Which is 4-pointed and features a floral-shaped interior.
Tajik Ruble Gallery
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Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 102 x 55 mm or 4.02 x 2.17 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are side-opening protective sleeves, cut to size.
The Tajik Ruble ISO code was TJR, it lacked a formal symbol.
In theory, the Tajik Ruble was sub-divided into 100 Tanga, although no Tanga denominated currency was issued.
The 7th Soviet 1 Ruble was the basis for Tajik Ruble, from denominations 1-50 Rubles.
Tajik Rubles from denominations 100-500, are influenced by the 7th Soviet 100 Ruble.
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