South Ossetia 200 Zarin – Vasso Abayev Banknote

The National Bank of the Republic of South Ossetia has issued a new banknote titled “Vasso Abayev”, as part of a series dedicated to prominent figures of Ossetia.

The 200 Zarin banknote honors Vasily Ivanovich Abayev (Vasso Abayev), a renowned philologist and scholar who made a significant contribution to the study of the Ossetian language.

Abayev was an Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor and Doctor of Philology. He was also a member of several international academic societies and received numerous honors, including the Kosta Khetagurov Prize and the USSR State Prize.

The banknote follows the series concept of combining history, culture and traditions on the front, with nature and wildlife on the reverse. Its predominant colors are warm green and brownish-gold, and it is printed on white cotton paper at the Perm printing factory of JSC Goznak.

Front – Ossetian Language and Culture

The front features a portrait of Vasso Abayev, reflecting his contribution to Ossetian linguistics.

To the right is a handwritten text from his will to his descendants. Below it, books represent language and culture, while a magnifying glass symbolizes research and study. Inside the magnifying glass is the Ossetian letter “æ”.

An open book containing a Scythian deer figurine appears in the upper-left, representing ancestral traditions. The Coat of Arms of the Republic of South Ossetia is featured in the upper-right.

The denomination “200” appears in both lower corners.

Reverse – Nature of Ossetia

The reverse is dedicated to the natural heritage of Ossetia.

The main design features two Caucasian red deer, a male and female, against the backdrop of Mount Sanai (Kazbek).

A Sarmatian bell appears at the lower-right, while the Zarin currency symbol “Z” is incorporated into the ornamental strip at the upper-left. The denomination “200” appears in the lower-left and upper-right corners.

Security Features

The banknote includes several security features:

• Security thread

• Optically variable element

• Intaglio printing

• Combined watermark

• Metallized foil

• Graphic microelements

• Infrared and UV luminescence

Serial Numbers

Two serial numbers are printed on the reverse. Each consists of two letters followed by seven digits.

The left serial number is readable along the long edge, while the right serial number is readable along the short edge.

A Tribute to Ossetian Heritage

The South Ossetia 200 Zarin “Vasso Abayev” banknote brings together language, scholarship, traditional culture and natural heritage in one distinctive design.

With its portrait of an important Ossetian scholar, traditional symbols, Caucasian wildlife and detailed security features, it is an interesting addition for collectors of South Ossetian, commemorative and world banknotes.

Banknote Specifications

Issuer: National Bank of the Republic of South Ossetia
Denomination: 200 Zarin
Theme: Vasso Abayev / Ossetian Language and Culture
Paper: White Cotton Paper
Printer: Perm Printing Factory, JSC Goznak
Predominant Colors: Warm Green and Brownish-Gold
Main Reverse Design: Caucasian Red Deer and Mount Sanai (Kazbek)
Currency Symbol: Z
Serial Numbers: Two-letter series + seven digits

Source: National Bank Republic of South Ossetia

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