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The Tiger Mosaic Of Sher-Dor: 200 So'm (Uzbekistan, 1997)-Article

Updated: Apr 20

This large colorful Uzbek banknote represents the 8th denomination of the Second Som (Series 1994). The Second Som was introduced on 1 July 1994. It was preceded by the transitional First Som, which replaced the Soviet Ruble at par (1:1), on November 15, 1993. The exchange rate was a substantial 1,000 "Old" to 1 "New Som. Due to high inflation of the post-1991 Soviet Ruble.


As constant inflation has been an issue since the adoption of the Second So'm. Uzbekistan adds new and retires old denominations, based on long-term inflation. The 200 So'm note was added in 1 March 1997, to alleviate citizens from having to carry larger amounts of lower value notes. It forms an extension to the original Series 1994. The 200 So'm was demonetized on 1 July 2020.


Observe

The observe depicts the National Emblem of Uzbekistan, on an ornate background. The emblem features the mythical Khumo, a large bird said to endlessly soar above the earth. The Khumo is said to be compassionate and a bringer of good fortune. Making it somewhat similar to the ancient Chinese Fenghuang.


To the lower-left of the National Emblem is the text "200 СЎМ", representing the note's 200 So'm face value. The note's header above reads (trans.) "Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan". While the footer below reads, "The Uzbek So‘m must be accepted at face value, for all payments in the republic".

Surrounding the beforementioned text is a complex underprint and embellishments. Numerous Islamic Rub el Hizb (8-pointed stars) symbols can be seen on/within the underprint. The light blue star at the upper-left is a hidden registration element. backlighting it will complete the pattern. Additionally, below the National Emblem is one of the note's dual-serial numbers, it reads "CI0934752".


To the far-right is the note's watermark area. At the top of the watermark area is a gold leaf ornament. Above it is the note's "1997" print date. While below is the second serial number and a large number "200". The micro-text below this number, repeats the footer text.


The note's watermark depicts the National Emblem of Uzbekistan.


Reverse

The reverse depicts the Tiger Mosaic from the Sher-dor Madrasah, in Samarkand. This mosaic is know as the Shir o Khorshid and can be found on the iwan (vaulted entrance) of the Sherdor Madrasah. At the center is an 8-pointed star, representing the Islamic Rub el Hizb. A smaller star can be seen behind the tiger's foot.


While the illustration and underprint covers the majority of the reverse, there are some notable details. The lower-right reads, "200 СЎМ", representing the note's "Two Hundred So'm value. The footer features a counterfeit warning it reads (trans.), "Counterfeiting of the Uzbek So‘m is prosecuted in accordance to the law". Along the upper-right is the positive of the registration element.

The watermark area to the note's left, is somewhat sparse. The upper design is ornate, with some unprinted spaces. Although unlike previous denominations these are are not part of a registration element. The design on the lower portion is larger, with a large number "200".


Retired Second So'm Gallery

(Gallery contains all currently retired Second So'm banknotes)

 

Additional Notes

  • This notes dimensions are 145 x 77 mm or 5.70 x 3.03 in, larger than a US Dollar.

  • The preferable method to preserve this note are large sized protective sleeves.

  • The Second So'm ISO code is UZS, it uses сум as it official symbol.

  • The Second So'm is subdivided into 100 Tyin, although inflation has made it obsolete.

  • Banknotes valued from 1-25 So'm were demonetized, on 1 March 2020.

  • Banknotes valued from 50-100 So'm were demonetized, on 1 July 2019.

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