The Republic of Georgia is a developing country that links Eastern Europe and Western Asia. As one of the oldest wine-producing nations, Georgia’s national identity is weaved with traditions that involve wine, making the country a part of UNESCO’s World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
When the country became an independent republic, the Georgian maneti was first introduced in 1919, replacing the Transcaucasian ruble. The notes showcase the designs by Joseph Sharleman, painter Dimitri Shevardnadze, and an unknown engraver during the state paper money expedition held in Tiflis. This set of notes feature Saint George riding on a horse under the moon, stars, and sun.
After joining with Amenia and Azerbaijan in establishing the Transcaucasian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic, a second Transcaucasian ruble was issued which then replaced the maneti. In 1924, Transcaucasian member countries began using the Soviet ruble as their official currency.
Georgia declared its independence on April 9, 1991, however, the Russian ruble was still used until June 11, 1993. The country used coupons for its internal commercial operations and from September 25 to October 2, 1995, these coupons were replaced by the Georgian Lari notes designed by Nodar Malazonia highlighting Georgian prominent personalities.
The newest series of the Georgian Lari released between November 2016 and October 2019 bears entirely new designs, dimensions, and color schemes. In cooperation with De La Rue, Giesecke & Dievrent, and Oberthur Fiduciare, the banknotes designed by Bacha Malazoni come with enhanced security elements such as iridescent stripes, holographic stripes, watermarks, and windowed security threads with demetalized text.