Georgia 50 Lari Commemorative: 30 years of the lari, one brand-new commemorative note—built for 2025, designed to turn heads.
Georgia has hit the big three-oh for its national currency and decided to celebrate with something collectors love: a debut commemorative 50 lari. Think modern security tech, a fresh vertical layout, and a story that runs from heritage to future-ready design. It’s the numismatic equivalent of swapping a trusty saloon for a sleek EV—same purpose, wildly better tech.
• Denomination: 50 lari (commemorative / first of its kind for Georgia)
• Theme: 30th anniversary of the lari (introduced nationwide on 2 Oct 1995)
• Designer (competition winner): Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions
• Format: vertical concept; polymer substrate
From Open Call to Winner: Georgia’s 50 Lari Design Journey
The National Bank ran an international competition—and Switzerland’s K&B Banknote Solutions took pole position.
In late 2023 the National Bank of Georgia kicked off a design competition for the country’s first commemorative banknote. The brief was clear: celebrate the 30th anniversary of the lari with a fresh visual language and top-tier security on a polymer substrate.
• Vertical layout to signal progress and a “future-facing” aesthetic
• Bright, distinct colourway (separate from circulating notes)
• A narrative split between modern achievements and deep cultural heritage
The result: a concept designed to be instantly recognisable in a wallet—and irresistible in a collection.
Georgia 50 Lari Commemorative — Technical Features
Built from a competition brief won by Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions: polymer, vertical, and loaded with security.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Denomination & Type | 50 lari commemorative (Georgia’s first commemorative banknote) |
| Format & Size | Vertical layout; 137 × 68 mm as per NBG brief |
| Colour Palette | Vivid mix of purple, pink, green, blue, yellow—clearly differentiated from circulating lari |
| Face / Reverse |
Face: modern Georgia—maps, national coat of arms, National Bank’s Cash Center. Reverse: heritage—four ancient Georgian coins celebrating monetary history. |
| Substrate | Polymer |
| Security — Visual | Transparent window; holographic and/or micro-optic foil; optically variable magnetic ink (with additional effects) |
| Security — Tactile/Print | Raised elements, microtext, intaglio on both sides, see-through register |
| Security — UV/IR/Magnetic | Multi-colour UV phosphorescent/fluorescent inks; IR features; magnetic properties |
| Accessibility | Features for the visually impaired (tactile cues) |
| Watermark/Filigrane | Not confirmed on polymer prototypes released so far |
| Design Lead | Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions — winner of the NBG international competition |
Specs reflect the National Bank’s public competition brief and imagery guidance; final production details may vary slightly from concept visuals.
Rollout Status: What’s Confirmed vs. What’s Next
Georgia’s first commemorative banknote is real—details are being phased in.
Confirmed
• It’s the first commemorative banknote of Georgia.
• 50 lari, polymer, vertical concept; dimensions 137×68 mm.
• Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions won the design competition.
• It commemorates the 30th anniversary of the lari.
Pending / To Be Announced
• Final imagery & full security feature set on the production note.
• Official release date window & distribution details (folder/packaging, price).
• Any serial/prefix logic specific to the commemorative.
Market Snapshot & Pricing — Georgia 50 Lari Commemorative (2025)
Early pricing is behaving like a modern polymer commemorative: accessible base, premiums for the right serials.
| Channel / Condition | Observed Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct retail (UNC / FDS) | US$19–30 (~€18–28) | Typical base ask shortly after release; varies by seller and packaging |
| EU numismatic shops (UNC) | €20–€30 | Colourway/vertical novelty supports the upper end in EU listings |
| Special serials (000001, palindromes, “radar”) | Premiums expected | No landmark auctions closed yet; premiums likely as supply settles |
Pricing reflects early listings and dealer sheets; realisations can shift with availability, packaging (folder/COA), and serial desirability.
FAQ — Georgia 50 Lari Commemorative
Is the 50 lari commemorative officially confirmed?
Yes. The National Bank of Georgia confirmed the commemorative, the anniversary context, and the design competition winner.
Who designed it?
Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions won the National Bank’s international design competition.
Is it polymer and vertical?
Yes—polymer substrate and a vertical concept were specified in the competition brief.
What are the dimensions?
137 × 68 mm, distinct colourway from circulating notes.
When will it be released?
The commemorative is aligned with the lari’s 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025; final production/release specifics are pending official announcement.
Sources & References
- National Bank of Georgia — Design competition winner (K&B Banknote Solutions)
- National Bank of Georgia — Competition announcement & requirements (polymer, 137×68 mm, security features)
- NBG — Governor Natia Turnava’s 30th-anniversary remarks (Oct 2)
- BanknoteNews — Georgia new 50-lari commemorative (background/imagery)
- Polymernotes — Competition terms (polymer, size, features)
- NBG — 30th Anniversary conference (2025)
- Bonistika Club (2025)
Final production art may differ from concept visuals; watch NBG channels for the official reveal.
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