South Ossetia’s First Ever Commemorative Banknote: The 100 Zarin “Kosta Khetagurov”
South Ossetia 100 Zarin Commemorative Banknote: Celebrating 35 years of independence with a splash of blue and gold, leopard spots, and a harp — all on paper money!
The National Bank of South Ossetia (also known as the Bank of Alania), a player in the small but captivating world of unrecognized states, is set to launch its very first commemorative banknote in September 2025. The 100 Zarin note commemorates the 35th anniversary of the republic and honors Kosta Khetagurov, revered as the father of Ossetian literature and language. It’s no ordinary bill — it flaunts a majestic Asian leopard and Mount Burkhok on its face, and a twelve-string Ossetian harp next to Khetagurov’s portrait on the back.
How South Ossetia Crafted its Monetary Milestone
The journey began in 2024 with legislative tweaks enabling the issuance of commemorative and investment banknotes. Collaborating with Russia’s famed Goznak company, South Ossetia’s National Bank kickstarted a project that would mark a historic first: a fully designed 100 Zarin note. Physical dimensions are 157 by 69 millimeters, dressed in a blue-gold palette that’s hard to miss.
The note’s creators, Dmitry Fedorov and Olga Erofeevskaya, balanced traditional Ossetian imagery with security-conscious print technology. The run is limited — just 20,000 copies — making this banknote as much a collectible treasure as legal tender. South Ossetia’s law explicitly allows these commemoratives to circulate as payment or as investment pieces, hinting at a dual role rarely seen and a market priced freely on the secondary scene.
Design, Symbolism, and That “Leopard on Your Wallet” Vibe
So, South Ossetia has released what quite possibly might be the world’s most intriguing banknote: a 100 Zarin commemorative note that proudly sports an Asian leopard and the towering Mount Burkhok. Because why not mix fierce wildlife with geography? Throw in the portrait of Kosta Khetagurov, the literary legend, sitting next to a traditional 12-string harp, and you’ve got a bill that screams “I’m serious, but also kind of artsy.”
Reddit’s response? Pure gold. Some folks joked that the note looks like it was conjured during a caffeine-fueled night of designing, while others marveled at how a tiny, partially recognized republic can make banknotes that look swankier than some national currencies.
And forget boring old dimensions: at 157 x 69 mm, it’s slender, stylish, and easy to sneak into your collection without drawing too much attention — unless you’re flashing a leopard on your wallet, then all bets are off.
Technical Specs South Ossetia 100 Zarin Commemorative Banknote
- Denomination
- 100 Zarin (commemorative)
- Size
- 157 x 69 mm
- Color
- Predominantly blue and gold
- Designers
- Dmitry Fedorov and Olga Erofeevskaya
- Print Run
- 20,000 copies
- Key Images
- Asian Leopard, Mount Burkhok, Kosta Khetagurov, Ossetian 12-string harp
All in all, it’s a banknote that’s equal parts poetry, power, and a dash of “look what we did here.” And in a world where new currency design often feels like copy-pasting, this one breaks the mold spectacularly.
Why South Ossetia 100 Zarin Commemorative Banknote Is More Than Just Paper Money
Let’s get real. This isn’t just a pretty face slapped on a note. The Government of South Ossetia went full throttle in January 2025, tweaking laws and partnering with Russia’s Goznak to bring this vision to life. It’s a legal tender, yes, but also an investment piece wrapped in culture and subtle political swagger. Limited to just 20,000 copies, it’s designed for collectors who like their cash with a side of exclusivity.
On top of that, the Republic’s law allows these banknotes to function as both genuine payment instruments and collectible investment commodities. So whether you’re buying groceries or beefing up your treasure trove, these notes wear multiple hats better than your average Swiss Army knife.
