The Start of the 2000 Series and the 'Millennium' Issue

The collection of Belarusian banknotes from the 2000s begins with commemorative issues dedicated to the new millennium. This period was marked by the release of a special brochure from the National Bank, announcing the transition to new currency notes.

A special place is held by the 'Millennium' banknote set in a special envelope. This series was issued in a limited edition of 2,500 sets. All banknotes in each set had identical serial numbers, from 1 to 2,500. The collection presented here includes set number 1415.

Small Denominations and a Numerator Error

In the 2000 series, small denominations (1, 5, and 10 rubles) did not have the special 'Millennium' overprint. These were standard circulation banknotes that entered circulation during that period.

Among the 10-ruble banknotes, there is an interesting variety that some collectors consider a printing error. This feature involves the use of a letter in the serial number that is not present in the Belarusian alphabet.

• Banknote series: БИ
• Feature: The use of the Cyrillic letter 'И', which is not part of the Belarusian alphabet.
• Reason: The banknotes were printed at 'Goznak', where this numbering error was likely made.

This detail makes this note an object of interest for collectors specializing in varieties and errors.

20 and 50 Ruble Banknotes: Commemorative Issues and Varieties

The 20-ruble denomination is represented by a commemorative banknote dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus. Additionally, like the 50-ruble note, there are several varieties of interest for collection.

The key differences and commemorative issues for these denominations can be systematized for the convenience of collectors.

To fill the empty space in the album, a postage stamp block with the state symbols of Belarus—the coat of arms, flag, and anthem—has been placed next to the 50-ruble banknotes.

Features of the 100, 500, and 1000 Ruble Banknotes

The 100 and 500 ruble banknotes also have several varieties. The main differences relate to the security thread: there are variants with different directions of its elements, with a different type of thread, and for the 100-ruble note, even an issue without a security thread. The 500-ruble banknote used a windowed metallized thread.

One of the varieties of the 1000-ruble banknote is of particular interest. It differs from the standard issue in the pattern of the underprint grid—the background design on the obverse side. On a regular banknote, this pattern looks like a solid 'carpet', whereas on the rare variety, it has clear shifts.

• Standard issue: the background pattern is solid and uniform.
• Rare variety: the background pattern shows stripes shifted relative to each other, sometimes with gaps.

This subtle yet clearly visible difference makes such a banknote a valuable specimen for collectors who collect not just by year, but also by printing variations.

The Rare 5000 Ruble Note and Large Commemorative Issues

The 5000-ruble banknote of the 2000 issue is considered one of the rarest in Belarusian notaphily. The first issue, which had several series, is of particular value. The rarest of these is the АГ series.

• АА
• АБ
• АВ
• АГ (the rarest)

There is also a variety based on the direction of the security thread. The version with a 'top to bottom' direction is rare and difficult to find in good collectible condition.

The 10,000 and 20,000 ruble banknotes also have their own features. The 10,000-ruble note exists in two variants and with the 'Millennium' overprint. However, the 20,000-ruble denomination was not part of the 'Millennium' series. Instead, a commemorative banknote was issued for the 20th anniversary of the national currency, which came in a special booklet.

The 'Mir Castle' Banknote and Higher Denominations

Among the 50,000-ruble banknotes, two particularly rare items stand out. The first is a circulation banknote without a security thread. The second is the special commemorative 'Mir Castle' note.

• Series: only АА.
• Print run: 1,100 copies.
• Feature: it is one of the most sought-after Belarusian banknotes for collectors.

To conclude the overview, the highest denomination banknotes of that period are presented: 100,000, 1,000,000, and 5,000,000 rubles. These notes are distinguished by their high quality of execution and complex security features. For the higher denominations (100,000 and 200,000 rubles), special bank brochures were issued describing the security elements.