This Azerbaijani banknote represents the 6th denomination of the Second Manat (3rd, Series 1992). After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, on 26 December 1991. The Soviet 7th Ruble (1991-1993) remained the currency of its successor states. This post-Soviet economic pact was known as the "Ruble Zone". Russia retained full printing privileges, via the Goznak mint.
Azerbaijan along with Armenia and Georgia were amongst the first nations to leave the Ruble Zone.
On 15 August 1992, Azerbaijan replaced the Soviet Ruble with the Second Manat. The exchange rate was 10 Soviet Rubles to 1 Manat. The Second Manat remained the official Azeri currency for over a decade. And was considered the sucessor to the pre-Soviet First Manat.
On 1 January 2006, the Third Manat was introduced replacing the Second. At an exchange rate of 5,000 ""Old" to 1 "New" Manat. The Second Manat was demonetized, on 31 December 2006.
Observe
The observe features an illustration of Qız qalası (the Maiden Tower), in Baku's Old City. Built in the 12th century, the tower in an example of pre-Islamic Azeri architecture. It's believed to have served a Zoroastrian fire temple. As evidenced by the seven fire exits on the tower's roof. Representing the Zoroastrian belief of the seven steps to reach the Chinvat Bridge to heaven.
The header is off-set to the upper-right, it reads "AZƏRBAYCAN MİLLİ BANKI", which translates to "National Bank of Azerbaijan". At the lower right is the note's "250 Manat" face value. The number 250 rests on an ornate Iranic-style backing. There is also a security stamp, on the Maiden Tower. It features a latent text reading "AMB", the Azeri initials of the National Bank of Azerbaijan.
Moving to the left we can see the note's watermark area. When backlit 3 flames appear, a reference to Azerbaijan's Old Iranian name, "The Land of the (Holy) Fire". Due to it's deep ties to the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. Which known for its fire temple, a representation of purity.
At the top of the watermark area is a decorative Turkic-style design. Azerbaijan being an admixture of Iranic and Turkic culture. At the bottom is an additional number "250" and one of the note's dual serial number (CA2151184). The second serial number can be seen below the header.
Reverse
The reverse features an ornate Turkic-style underprint, with the text "AZƏRBAYCAN MİLLİ BANKI" (National Bank of Azerbaijan). Similar to the observe, the watermark area features a number decorative design and a number "250". Although the style of these element differs from the observe. The number 250 now rests on a 8-pointed backing, with a "faded" tone.
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 126 x 63 mm or 4.96 x 2.48 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are standard size protective sleeves.
The Second Manat ISO code was ARM, it uses "₼" as its official symbol.
The Manat is subdivided into 100 Qapik, which is derived from the Russian Kopeck.
Coins denominated in Qapik were rarely used due to rising inflation, making them impractical.
A lower case letter "m" can be used in place of "₼", when Unicode (U+20BC) is unavailable.
The First Manat circulated in the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, from 1919-1923.
The Second Manat Series 1992 and 1993 intermesh, with denominations ranging from 1-250.