National Bank to Issue 5-Lari Collector Coins

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) reports that it is to issue 5-Lari denomination silver collector coins on the theme of the Georgian vine, in order to promote the country’s rich culture and its history of ancient winemaking traditions.

This summer, in the Wine Civilization Museum of the French city of Bordeaux, the International Wine Exhibition will be held, at which Georgia will be the guest of honor, presenting not its winemaking, but also its culture, ethnography and history.

The decision to issue special collector coins was made by the National Bank in respect of this important event.

The winning design, by Nino Gongadze, was selected through an open competition. The coin is minted in Japan Mint and will be available from July.

The new coin will picture the Georgian vine and the UNESCO heritage listed, large, ancient Georgian winemaking vessel—the Qvevri—with red wine within.

“The main composition is represented by a graphical illustration of the Wine Civilization Museum located in the city of Bordeaux, France, where Georgia will be this year’s Guest of Honor. On the top right side of the coin is depicted the denomination and the symbol of Lari, while on the arc circularly are placed French inscriptions - "L’EXPOSITION ‘VIGNOBLE INVITE’ DE LA CITE DU VIN DE BORDEAUX", "LA GEORGIE - PREMIER INVITE," the statement of the National Bank reads.

The NBG says the coins will be sold at the Cash Center of the National Bank of Georgia and Money Museum in Kvareli, as well as through an online store accessible on the website of the National Bank of Georgia. The price has yet to be announced.

Thea Morrison