On February 1st, 2016 the National Bank of Georgia issued upgraded Lari banknotes. It was mid February when first upgraded banknote ended up im my hands, I got it at local Procredit ATM.
My first thought was that I have probably by accident pressed EUR account instead of GEL and have taken my money from EUR account, but then I realized it's a new upgraded currency. After I took the following photo I shortly spent it on groceries at local Dezerteer Bazaar.
New 50 GEL banknote
According to National Bank of Georgia - Firstly, upgraded banknotes in denominations of 20 and 50 Lari will be gradually issued into circulation. As for the upgraded 100 Lari banknotes, they will be issued into circulation later this year. National Bank of Georgia will inform society beforehand.
Original and well-known Lari banknote themes have been preserved on upgraded banknotes, but at the same time, histories featured on the banknotes have been diversified with distinct, new elements. The modified design presents Georgian cultural and historical heritage with more precision and modern appearance.
The upgraded Lari banknotes are characterized with distinct color spectrum that is harmonically synchronized with dominant and contrast colors of the main plots.
Sizes of Lari banknotes have been upgraded as well. The diagonal and symmetric growth principle has been used for banknotes with respect to denominations.
The style of design, parameters and security features of the upgraded banknotes are modern, tested and consecutive for each denomination. Furthermore, the components of the design are maximally integrated into security features, which consequentially create a concept of the one family.
The upgraded Lari banknotes are protected with modern and high technological and security features that, at the same time, are easily intelligible to users. Furthermore, the banknotes still have the special improved features for visually impaired people.
The upgraded banknotes are made with special materials and security mechanisms that make them robust against contamination and natural wear-and-tear.
The banknotes in denominations of 5 and 10 lari will be upgraded later.
The banknotes of the previous issues will remain in parallel circulation with upgraded lari banknotes.