...Abkhazia - 10 and 100 Apsar 2024 Numismatic Products

Аҧсны Аҳәынҭқарра

(Republic of Abkhazia)

 

Аԥсны Аҳәынҭқарра Амилаҭтә Банк

(National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia, Est 1991)

Currency - Apsar (Apsara)

 

Here are two commemorative banknotes of 10 and 100 apsar, both released on 10.06.2024. Both notes are dated 2024. Whilst these two notes were released as commemorative notes, I have no idea what they are celebrating or commemorating for? 

 

The Republic of Abkhazia first issued a commemorative note of 500 apsar in 2018 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War 1993-2018. Five years later, it then released a second commemorative banknote of 25 apsar in 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War 1993-2023.

 

The Republic of Abkhazia is a disputed region situated in the Caucasus region and was once controlled by the government of Georgia. Georgia lost control of the territory following the 1992-1993 war. Despite both Georgia and Abkhazia signing a ceasefire agreement in 1994, and following years of negotiations, the dispute remains unresolved. Abkhazia is backed by Russia and that is why it managed to stay free from Georgia since 1993. As this is a disputed territory, only six countries recognised its independence, countries like Nauru, Nicaragua, Syria, Venezuela and Russia of course. Georgia was once a member of the Soviet Union and became an independence state following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Georgia became fully independent from the Soviet Union on 6.12.1991. 

It was reported that up to 500,000 pieces have been issued for the 10 spsar and only 10,000 pieces issued for the 100 spsar. This is a lot for the 10 apsar especially the population in Abkhazia is less than 250,000 people. Prior to the 1992-1993 war, Abkhazia had a population in excess of 500,000 people. The war of 1992-1993 led to the reduction of population due to displacement, ethnic cleansing and many were expelled from the territory by the Abkhaz separatists. Unlike those previously issued (25 and 500 apsar), I believe the 10 apsar is meant for general circulation and the 100 apsar is not. The Russian ruble currency is circulating in Abkhazia as currency.

Ten Apsar

 

Front - The main image of the obverse of the banknote consists of an image of a Caucasian leopard's head with its curl-up tail, an ornamented ancient bronze axe next to the leopard's head. A leopard's paw is printed on the lower left side. Images of Seven Stars from the state flag of the Republic of Abkhazia. In the right and left sectors there are images of the state emblem of the Republic of Abkhazia and the denomination of the banknote. 

 

Signature - Beslan Baratelia (Chairman since 2014)

Series - 2024

Quantity Issued - 500,000 pieces

Watermark - Leopard head

Dimensions -152mm x 65.5mm

 

Back - The main image of the reverse side of the banknote consists of images of a bronze axe and the upper part of the traditional Abkhaz military and hierarchical staff “alabasha”. Images of Seven Stars from the state flag of the Republic of Abkhazia. The field on the reverse side also shows the denomination and serial number of the banknote.

One Hundred Apsar

 

Front - The main image of the front side of the banknote is a red deer against the backdrop of the snow-capped Caucasus mountains and a blackbird on a pine branch. In the left sector of the front side there is an image of the state emblem of the Republic of Abkhazia and the denomination of the banknote. 

 

Signature - Beslan Baratelia (Chairman since 2014)

Series - 2024

Quantity Issued - 10,000 pieces

Watermark - red deer

Dimensions -152.5mm x 65.5mm

 

Back - The main image of the reverse side of the banknote is the historical monuments of Abkhazia of the Early Bronze Age - dolmens and cromlechs, as well as ancient bronze items discovered on the territory of Abkhazia during archaeological expeditions. The field on the reverse side of the banknote also contains the denomination designation and the serial number of the banknote.