ASTANA – The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) recently issued collector coins titled “Shanyragynyz shattyqqa tolsyn” (Peace in your home) as part of the Heart to Heart series. The pieces represent the idea of ​​peace and warmth in the home, with the phrase wishing harmony and prosperity to households.

Collectible coins “Shanyragynyz shattyqqa tolsyn” (Peace in your home) of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. Photo credit: nationalbank.kz

The bank has issued numerous coins of artistic and cultural significance featuring themes ranging from historical events to the country’s cultural achievements and symbols. These coins not only celebrate Kazakhstan’s heritage, but also serve as educational tools, raising awareness of the country’s rich history and achievements on a national and international level.

One of the remarkable collections brands the 800th anniversary of the founding of Jochi Ulus. Khan Jochi was the eldest son of the Mongol Emperor Genghis Khan.

The coins depict the Khan Jochi Mausoleum, located in the Ulytau region, an important historical site in the country. The design was created by Kazakh sculptor and muralist Gaziz Yeshkenov, and the reverse features a collage of coins from the Golden Horde era.

One of the remarkable collections marks the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Jochi Ulus. Photo credit: nationalbank.kz

The National Bank has also issued several series of coins dedicated to animals that have cultural significance in Kazakh life. The camel, essential to life in the desert, symbolizes both prosperity and survival. The Kokbori (celestial wolf) is another key figure, revered by the Proto-Turks as a powerful symbol of heaven.

Kokbori (celestial wolf) coins. Photo credit: nationalbank.kz

Silver coins representing the Kiyiz user interface (the Kazakh yurt), in denominations of 500 and 5,000 tenge, are part of the Treasures of the Steppe series, representing the expansive space of the yurt and its role in the nomadic universe.

The Kazakh yurt coin collection. Photo credit: nationalbank.kz

Different cultures revere specific trees as sacred, each with their own legend. For nomads, the sacred tree was the turanga (Populus section Turanga), echoing the importance of trees like the cherry blossom in Japan or the baobab in Africa.

One of the most distinctive coin series celebrates the Kazakh intellectual board game. togyzkumalakknown for developing logical thinking.

The National Bank of Kazakhstan began minting commemorative coins in 1995 at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant in Oskemen. For details of another notable coin collection, see a previous article published by The Astana Times.

The article was originally published in Kazinform.