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Coin Description
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s national currency, the National Bank of Kazakhstan issued a limited edition commemorative coin, ”TEŃGEGE 30 JYL” (30 YEARS OF TENGE), on November 6, 2023, as part of the ”Outstanding Events and People” series.
The first tenge banknotes were released on 15 November 1993. This was followed by the issuance of circulating coins in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 tenge. The introduction of the tenge signified Kazakhstan’s financial sovereignty and embodied the nation’s independence and the foundation of its monetary system.
The commemorative coin ”TEŃGEGE 30 JYL” (30 YEARS OF TENGE) was created by the designers of the National Bank of Kazakhstan and minted at the Kazakhstan Mint. The coin features a tantalum insert, a rare and technologically sophisticated material. In addition to being highly resistant to corrosion and chemical degradation, tantalum is also extraordinarily resistant to heat and general wear. In fact, tantalum has a melting point of 5463 °F (3017 °C), the fourth highest of all metals.
The color of the insert is an impressive blue color. The Kazakhstan Mint has the ability to produce tantalum coins in more than 20 colors.
Coin Details:
- Alloy: 925/1000 silver with a blue tantalum insert
- Diameter: 50 mm
- Quality: Proof
- Denomination: 1,000 tenge
- Maximum Coin Mintage: 300 pieces
- Total Weight: 84.32 grams
- Year: 2023
This jubilee coin is legally required to be accepted at face value throughout the territory of Kazakhstan for all types of payments and can be exchanged in all banks across the country.
The commemorative coins ”TEŃGEGE 30 JYL” (30 YEARS OF TENGE) were sold through the National Bank of Kazakhstan’s coin sales website ([email protected]). All coins were sold out within the first 30 minutes of sales opening, highlighting their immense popularity and collectible value.
Innovation and unique aspects
The ”TEŃGEGE 30 JYL” (30 YEARS OF TENGE) silver coin with a tantalum insert stands out for its innovative use of materials, intricate production process, and striking aesthetics.
Innovation and Unique Aspects:
- Tantalum Insert: The coin features a tantalum insert, a rare and technologically challenging inclusion in numismatic production. Tantalum is a highly corrosion-resistant metal that is often used in various industries, including electronics, medicine and the aerospace industry. Tantalum is completely immune to body fluids and it is also a non-irritating metal. The Kazakhstan Mint has developed and patented this technology, making it the only mint worldwide that can use tantalum for coin production.
- Spectacular Blue Color: The tantalum insert of the ”TEŃGEGE 30 JYL” coin exhibits a spectacular blue color. This unique hue is achieved through a specific production process called anodizing. Anodizing is an electrochemical technique used to modify the surface of metals, enhancing their properties and appearance. For the ”TEŃGEGE 30 JYL” coin, a specific voltage is applied to achieve the striking blue color of the tantalum insert.
- Complex Production Process: Tantalum’s high melting point (3017°C) and chemical inertness require special techniques for shaping and integration with silver. The Kazakhstan Mint employs advanced precision engineering to ensure the tantalum insert fits perfectly within the silver coin, maintaining both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Overall integration of Features
The designers of the National Bank of Kazakhstan drew inspiration from the rich tapestry of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage, financial independence, and technological progress to create the commemorative ”TEŃGEGE 30 JYL” coin.
- The tenge symbol (〒), inspired by the ancient Turkic alphabet, represents the sound ”t” and is used to denote ”tenge” (money) and ”tengri,” a deity symbolizing the sky, sacred to Turkic peoples. The coin’s design leverages this symbol to emphasize its cultural and historical significance while embracing modernity.
- The design draws inspiration from the integration of the tenge symbol in digital technology. This highlights the rapid advancement of digital technologies, which have transformed connectivity, financial inclusion, and access to trade and public services. The Government of Kazakhstan’s digitalization efforts since 2008 have resulted in 93% of public services being available online, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2025.
- By incorporating the tenge symbol (〒) into the commemorative coin’s design, Kazakhstan underscores its respect for historical roots while showcasing its commitment to innovation and continuous development. This dual representation highlights the nation’s ability to honor its past and actively pursue future advancements.
- To the left of the tenge symbol is a national Kazakh ornament that embodies Kazakhstan’s identity and values. The petal-shaped symbol represents growth and development, mirroring the strengthening of the tenge and the improvement of Kazakh citizens’ well-being. It signifies Kazakhstan’s dedication to sustainable growth and prosperity for future generations.
- The obverse side of the coin features the coat of arms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with inscriptions around its perimeter reading ” QAZAQSTAN RESPYBLIKASY, REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN” and the face value of the coin.
Highlights an event
The ”TEŃGEGE 30 JYL” (30 YEARS OF TENGE) commemorative coin marks a pivotal event in Kazakhstan’s history – the 30th anniversary of its national currency, the tenge. Introduced in 1993, the tenge symbolizes Kazakhstan’s financial sovereignty and independence. The establishment of the national currency was a crucial step in building the nation’s economic foundation, reflecting its capability to control monetary policy and foster economic stability.
The commemorative coin, issued by the National Bank of Kazakhstan, embodies this significant milestone with a design that combines tradition and modernity. The coin features a contemporary design while also reflecting the historical and cultural heritage of the country.
The ”TEŃGEGE 30 JYL” commemorative coin is not just a celebration of 30 years of the national currency but also a testament to Kazakhstan’s blend of tradition and forward-thinking progress. The thoughtful integration of historical symbols with modern elements in the coin’s design exemplifies the country’s journey towards a future driven by innovation and digital transformation.