Belarus: Coins Issued and Used

The Belarusian Rouble or Ruble (Belarusian: рубель; sign: Br; code: BYN) is the official currency of Belarus. The Rouble is subdivided into 100 copecks (sometimes written as kopecks; Belarusian: капейка, kapiejka).

After the breakup of the Soviet Union, Belarus became a sovereign country in 1991 and introduced its own currency in 1992, replacing the Soviet Rouble at the rate of 1 Belarusian Rouble = 10 Soviet Roubles. It was assigned the ISO code BYB.

In 2000, a new Rouble was introduced (ISO 4217 code BYR), replacing the first at a rate of 1 BYR = 1,000 BYB. This was re-denomination with three zeros removed. Only banknotes have been issued, with the only coins issued being commemoratives for collectors.

In July 2016, a new Rouble was introduced (ISO 4217 code BYN), at a rate of 1 BYN = 10,000 BYR. Old and new currency circulated in parallel from 1 July to 31 December 2016. Belarus also issued coins for general circulation for the first time. Seven denominations of banknotes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Roubles) and eight denominations of coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 copecks, and 1 and 2 Roubles) went into circulation on 1 July 2016. The banknotes have security threads and show 2009 as an issue date (the date of an unsuccessful attempt at currency reform). Their designs are similar to those of the Euro.

Belarus is a large producer of commemorative coinage for the numismatic market, particularly gold and silver bullion coins and non-circulating legal tender. Their designs range from fairly commonplace to unique and innovative; themes range widely from "native culture and events" to fairy tales and pop culture topics not related to Belarus at all. A majority of these coins have a face value of 1 Rouble; there are also a few denominated as 3, 5 Roubles and higher amounts. All these coins are considered novelties and are unlikely to be seen in general circulation.