The Moscow News has run the above photo of Gennady Luntovsky, deputy chairman of Bank of Russia, holding a modified 5,000-ruble (US$177) note which has enhanced anti-counterfeiting features. According to this Russian-language post, the new 5,000-ruble notes are scheduled for introduction in 2012, along with upgraded 500-ruble notes.Read More…

, On 10 August 2010, Bank of Russia issued a new 1,000-ruble (US$33.20) note with improved security features, including a translucent band, OVI bank logo, SPARK patch with bear on shield, rainbow moire pattern, electrotype 1000 watermark, solid security thread with demetalized 1000, microperf, intaglio printing, microprinting, and a slightlyRead More…

Paul Goble, a longtime specialist on ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia, has posted an interesting article on his Window on Eurasia blog, Primorsky Kray Deputies Suggest Reviving a Regional Currency, in which he discusses the possibility of Russian regions issuing their own local currencies, and covers historical examples ofRead More…

, 5,000 rubles, 1997. Issued July 31, 2006. Red and brown. Statesman Nikolay Nikolayevich Muravyov-Amursky’s Monument in Khabarovsk at center with commercial ship in background; his bust as wmk. Automobile bridge across Amur River (the border between Russia and China negotiated by Muravyov) on back. Denomination appears in microperforations. WindowedRead More…