Turkmenistan Manat Banknotes (TMT)

The Turkmenistan manat is defined by its 2009 redenomination and a highly ornamental banknote series shaped by refined security printing and strong national symbolism.

Quick Facts

Country: Turkmenistan

Code: TMT

Symbol: m

System: Decimal (1 Manat = 100 Tenge)

Status: In circulation

Issuer: Central Bank of Turkmenistan

The Story of the Turkmenistan Manat

The Turkmenistan manat (TMT) was reintroduced in its modern form on January 1, 2009, following a 5000:1 redenomination that replaced the earlier high-value system. This reform established a new monetary baseline and marked a transition toward a more structured and visually unified currency. Issued by the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, the manat operates within a tightly controlled economic environment, where monetary circulation and exchange remain regulated. The redesign also introduced a broader historical narrative, moving from earlier personality-focused imagery toward figures representing Turkmen heritage.

Design & Symbolism

Banknotes of the TMT series are recognised for their precision and dense ornamental structure. The visual identity is built around the five traditional carpet “guls,” which correspond to major Turkmen tribal symbols and form the basis of the national emblem. Portraits include figures such as Oguz Khan and Magtymguly Pyragy, while reverse designs present Ashgabat’s monumental architecture and Silk Road references. Security features include multi-tone watermarks—often incorporating the Akhal-Teke horse—together with embedded threads, microprinting and layered guilloche patterns that reflect textile geometry.

For collectors

For collectors, the Turkmenistan manat represents a defined modern series shaped by redenomination and limited external circulation. The 2009 reform creates a clear structural entry point, while the country’s restrictive monetary environment reduces the volume of notes reaching international markets. UNC examples are valued for their dense print clarity, intact paper structure and the precision of ornamental detail, which is sensitive to handling. The combination of controlled availability and elaborate design places the series within specialised Central Asian collections.

The Turkmenistan manat remains the official currency, circulating within a regulated system with restricted convertibility outside the country.