5.000 Tenge

The National Bank of Kazakhstan introduced the 5,000 tenge banknote on December 25, 2023, as the inaugural denomination in its new Saka Style series. This red and purple note measures 140 mm x 70 mm and represents a paradigm shift in Kazakhstan's currency design philosophy, drawing inspiration from the ancient Saka civilization that flourished on the Kazakh steppe from the 6th to 3rd century BCE. The obverse features a golden eagle detail and ornament from the Taldy II Kurgan burial mound, the Tree of Life sacred branch with hovering bird from 3rd-4th century BCE headgear, the famous Golden Man from the Issyk kurgan, a DNA spiral symbolizing continuity, and the national emblem. The reverse showcases Charin Canyon outlined in an infinity ornament, the golden eagle from the Berel Mounds, and circular Kazakh symbols.

This is the first banknote globally to feature Giesecke+Devrient's RollingStar Patch technology, which provides a gold-to-jade color shift with radiating solar rays creating a striking visual authentication feature. The Golden Man (Altyn Adam), discovered in 1969 at the Issyk Kurgan near Almaty, is one of Kazakhstan's most iconic archaeological treasures — a Saka warrior buried in a golden suit of approximately 4,000 gold pieces, dating from the 4th-3rd century BCE.

The design connects Kazakhstan's modern nation-building with its ancient nomadic heritage, celebrating the artistic and cultural sophistication of the Saka people. The RAPID Vision Micro-Optic Thread introduces dynamic ripple effects in red and blue, creating a sophisticated security feature that also references the flowing patterns characteristic of Saka artistic tradition.