Kyrgyzstan 50 Som Kurmanjan Datka 2016 Pick 25b UNC Banknote
The Kyrgyzstan 50 Som 2016 Pick 25b is part of the fourth series of the Kyrgyz national currency and is dedicated to one of the most remarkable women in Central Asian history: Kurmanjan Datka.
The predominantly orange and reddish banknote combines her portrait with traditional Kyrgyz decorative motifs and imagery associated with the country’s history and architecture.
Issued by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, this 2016 variety incorporates improved security technology while retaining the established Kurmanjan Datka design of the 50 Som denomination.
Historical Background
Kurmanjan Datka (1811–1907) was a Kyrgyz stateswoman and tribal leader who became one of the most influential political figures in 19th-century Central Asia.
Following the assassination of her husband, Alymbek Datka, she assumed an increasingly important leadership role among the Kyrgyz people of southern Kyrgyzstan.
She became known as the “Queen of Alai” and was recognised with the title Datka, a high political and military rank. Her authority was acknowledged by both the Kokand Khanate and later the Russian Empire.
Kurmanjan Datka remains an important symbol of Kyrgyz national history, leadership and diplomacy, explaining her prominent position on the country’s 50 Som banknote.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Kyrgyzstan
- Denomination: 50 Som
- Year: 2016
- Pick Number: P-25b
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
- Currency: Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: approximately 126 × 61 mm
- Dominant Colours: Orange, red and brown
- Portrait: Kurmanjan Datka
- Reverse: Uzgen architectural complex
- Watermark: Kurmanjan Datka with electrotype denomination
- Type: Standard circulation banknote
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Portrait of Kurmanjan Datka
- Her name in Kyrgyz: Курманжан Датка
- Traditional Kyrgyz ornamental motifs
- National Bank inscriptions
- 50 Som denomination
- Serial numbers
- Advanced security elements
- Date 2016
The portrait presents Kurmanjan Datka in traditional clothing and reinforces her status as one of the most recognisable historical personalities in Kyrgyzstan.
Reverse
The reverse features the historic Uzgen architectural complex in southern Kyrgyzstan.
The design includes:
- Uzgen Minaret
- Historic mausoleums
- Mountain landscape
- Traditional decorative motifs
- 50 Som denomination
- National Bank inscriptions
Uzgen was an important settlement on the historic Silk Road and became a major regional centre during the Karakhanid period. Its surviving minaret and mausoleums are among Kyrgyzstan’s most important medieval architectural monuments.
The banknote therefore combines a major figure from Kyrgyz political history with the country’s much older Silk Road heritage.
Security Features
The 2016 50 Som incorporates numerous modern anti-counterfeiting features, including:
- Kurmanjan Datka portrait watermark
- Electrotype 50 watermark
- Windowed security thread
- Colour-shifting security element
- See-through registration device
- Raised intaglio printing
- Microprinting
- Fine-line patterns
- UV-reactive security elements
- Tactile elements
- Serial numbers
These features formed part of the National Bank’s continuing programme to modernise and strengthen the security of Kyrgyzstan’s circulating currency.
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Kyrgyzstan 50 Som Kurmanjan Datka 2016 Pick 25b UNC banknote is particularly attractive because it combines an important female historical figure with the Silk Road and architectural heritage of Central Asia.
It is especially suitable for collectors of Kyrgyzstan banknotes, Central Asian currency, women on banknotes, Silk Road history, historic architecture and modern UNC world paper money.
