The steady gaze of a Caucasian leopard emerges from fields of gold, watchful and unyielding.

Design & Symbolism

Obverse

The composition is anchored by the face of the Caucasian leopard, its eyes rendered with striking clarity against a textured golden field. This subspecies of Panthera pardus is native to the wider Caucasus region and stands as a symbol of resilience, territorial awareness, and untamed landscape.

To the left, the apsar denomination and the coat of arms of Abkhazia reinforce state identity, while seven five-pointed stars float across the surface, echoing the national emblem. A stylized paw print and intricate guilloché patterns create a layered visual rhythm, merging wildlife imagery with sovereign symbolism.

Reverse

The reverse shifts from living fauna to ancestral memory. A bronze axe bearing a primitive animal engraving evokes archaeological heritage and pre-modern craftsmanship. Alongside it appears the stylized upper section of the traditional Abkhaz hierarchical staff, known as alabasha, a marker of authority and social order.

The presence of a QR code introduces a distinctly contemporary element, placing this issue firmly within the modern era of banknote design. A delicate fern motif softens the composition, while repeating stars maintain visual continuity with the obverse. The watermark—again the leopard’s face—creates cohesion between seen and unseen imagery.

Collector’s Insight

For collectors, this issue stands at the intersection of wildlife symbolism and geopolitical identity. The apsar is a limited national currency used primarily within Abkhazia, and its commemorative issues function not only as monetary instruments but as cultural statements.

The repetition of the leopard across print and watermark strengthens the thematic unity of the design, while the integration of ancient bronze iconography and modern QR technology reflects a deliberate dialogue between heritage and contemporary statehood. With a reported mintage of 500,000 pieces, this note occupies a distinctive place among modern regional commemoratives of the Caucasus.

Shipping & Guarantee

Each banknote is carefully handled and securely packed to ensure safe delivery. Authenticity is guaranteed.

Serial number and prefix may vary from the reference image.