This Georgian banknote represents the 3rd denomination of the Georgian Lari (Series 1995). The Lari (ლარი) was preceded by the transitional Georgian Kuponi (კუპონი). Which served as an transitional currency, between the Soviet Ruble and Georgian Lari. The Kuponi was briefly issued from 5 April 1993 to 2 October 1995.
Since it's introduction, the Lari has remained relatively stable. As opposed the previous 4th Issue Kuponi, which underwent rapid hyperinflation. With initial denominations ranging from 250 Kuponi and continuously expanding toward an impressive 1 Million Kuponi. This 1 Million Kuponi served as the peg, for the (then) new 1 Lari note.
As it was agreed a single Lari would be exchange for 1 Million Kuponi. Unlike the previous Kuponi, which entirely lacked subdivisions. The Lari was subdivided into 100 Tetri (თეთრი), named after the Georgian word for "white". Which is a reference to the silver coins used in ancient and medieval Georgia.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of historian Ivane Javakhishvili (1876–1940), founder of Tbilisi State University. Where he served as a professor and lead of the Department of the History of Georgia, Notably the text below is printed in unique Georgian script, it translates to "Ivane Javakhishvili 1876-1940".
The note's vertical header is located at the far left, it reads (trans.) the "National Bank of Georgia". To its right is a Borjgali ("the flow of time") symbol. The Borjgali is the national symbol of the Georgian people. It separates a pair of signatures, representing banking officials. The top signature belongs to Minister of Finance David Onoprishvili. While the bottom belongs to President of National Bank Irakli Managadze.
To the right of the portrait are stone reliefs, depicting grape vines and St. George slaying a dragon. Further to the right is vertical Georgian text (საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი 1995). This text symbolizes the note was issued by the authority of the "National Bank of Georgia (on) 1995". The issue date may be differ between notes, as this example is a first year issue.
Moving toward the note's right, is the watermark area. At it's top is one the note's dual serial numbers (19562754), while second is located at the lower-left corner. Below the first serial number is additional vertical Georgian text (ხუთი ლარი), it translates to "Five Lari". It rests above a large number "5", reinforcing the note's beforementioned face value
Reverse
The reverse features a collage, including a map of Georgia, the Tbilisi State University building, and a golden loin statuette. It's title can be seen below a neighboring book, in Georgian script (თბილისის უნივერსიტეტი). It translates to "Tbilisi University". Notably the university has since been formally renamed in Javakhishvili's honor. As the "Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University".
Moving toward the note's left, is the watermark area. There is vertical English text running along the reverse main art. It reads ""Republic Of Georgia * Five Lari". This value is reinforced by the number "5" at the lower-right corner. While a second number "5" can be seen between some vertical Georgian text and a row of anti-counterfeit dazzler bars.
Just as the observe this text (ხუთი ლარი), translates to "Five Lari". Some red iridescent fibers can be seen near this text. When expose to ultraviolet light, this fibers will glow brightly. Additionally backlight the note with bight light will expose the note's watermark. The watermark is a repeating full surface pattern, featuring Borjgali symbols.
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 115 x 61 mm or 4.53 x 2.40 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
Kuponi notes were colloquially known as coupon notes and coupon money.
On 2 October 1995, the 4th Issue Georgian Kuponi was replaced by the Lari.
Early Lari notes were produced by French printer Oberthur Fiduciaire, Paris
The 5 Lari was replaced by the current issued (Series 1916-19) 5 Lari note, printed by the Polish Security Printing Works.