This Georgian banknote represents the 2nd denomination of the Georgian Lari (Series 1995). The Lari (ლარი) was preceded by the transitional Georgian Kuponi (კუპონი). Which served as an transitional currency, between the Soviet Ruble and Georgian Lari. The Kuponi was briefly issued from 5 April 1993 to 2 October 1995.
Since it's introduction, the Lari has remained relatively stable. As opposed the previous 4th Issue Kuponi, which underwent rapid hyperinflation. With initial denominations ranging from 250 Kuponi and continuously expanding toward an impressive 1 Million Kuponi. This 1 Million Kuponi served as the peg, for the (then) new 1 Lari note.
As it was agreed a single Lari would be exchange for 1 Million Kuponi. Unlike the previous Kuponi, which entirely lacked subdivisions. The Lari was subdivided into 100 Tetri (თეთრი), named after the Georgian word for "white". Which is a reference to the silver coins used in ancient and medieval Georgia.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of composer Zacharia Paliashvili (1871-1933), back by an overtone from his opera "Abesalom and Eteri". Paliashvili was considered one of the founder's of classical Georgian music. Notably the text below is printed in unique Georgian script, it translates to "Zacharia Paliashvili 1871-1933".
The header at the upper-right reads (trans.), "National Bank of Georgia", below it is Borjgali ("the flow of time") symbol. The Borjgali is the national symbol of the Georgian people. It separates a pair of signatures, representing banking officials. The left signature belongs to Minister of Finance David Onoprishvili. While the right signature belongs to President of National Bank Irakli Managadze.
Moving toward the note's right, is the watermark area. At it's top is one the note's dual serial numbers (14611530), while second is located at the lower-left corner. Below the first serial number is the text "საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი 1995". This text symbolizes the note was issued by the authority of the "National Bank of Georgia (on) 1995". The issue date may be differ between notes, as this example is a first year issue.
Below this text is an anti-counterfeit dazzler. Seen as a series of progressive waves, that feature a latent "cross-shape". This dazzler was used to counter the primitive photo scanners of the period. As the progressive waves create image distortion. Below the dazzler is micro text, presumably this is a counterfeit warning.
Below the dazzler is is vertical Georgian text "ორი ლარი, it translates to "Two Lari". It rests above a large number "2", reinforcing the note's beforementioned face value
Reverse
The reverse features an illustration of the Tbilisi Theater. It's title can be seen running along the neighboring roadway, in Georgian script. It roughly translates to "Tbilisi. National Theater of Opera and Ballet. 1878". Notably the theatre has since been formally renamed in Paliashvili's honor. As the "Zacharia Paliashvili Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater".
Moving toward the note's left, is the watermark area. There is vertical English text running along the reverse main art. It reads ""Republic Of Georgia * Two Lari". This value is reinforced by the number "2" at the upper right corner. While a second number "2" can be seen between some vertical Georgian text and an anti-counterfeit dazzler.
Just as the observe this text (ორი ლარი), translates to "Two Lari". Some red iridescent fibers can be seen near this text. When expose to ultraviolet light, this fibers will glow brightly. Additionally backlighting the note, with bight light will expose the note's watermark. The watermark is a repeating full surface pattern, featuring Borjgali symbols.
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 115 x 61 mm or 4.53 x 2.40 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
Kuponi notes were colloquially known as coupon notes and coupon money.
On 2 October 1995, the 4th Issue Georgian Kuponi was replaced by the Lari.
Early Lari notes were produced by French printer Oberthur Fiduciaire, Paris
In 2006, the 2 Lari note was replaced by a bi-metallic coin, using a ring-core design.
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