On 1 July 2016, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus redenominated the Belarusian ruble, following a decision taken by Edict of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 450 dated 4 November 2015. This has resulted in, for the first time in the history of the Belarusian ruble, coins being introduced into circulation.
The series 2000 banknotes are being substituted with banknotes and coins of the redenominated 2009 series whereby 10,000 rubles will become 1 ruble. Previously 20,000 rubles would equate to 1 US dollar but the new currency will see this reduced to approximately 2 rubles to 1 US dollar.
There will be eight denominations of coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 copecks, and 1 and 2 rubles. According to news reports, the 1, 2 and 5 copeck coins will be produced in copper-plated steel, the 10, 20 and 50 will be struck in brass plated steel, 1 ruble will be minted in nickel plated steel and the 2 ruble coin will be bimetallic with a silver coloured core and gold ring.
They coins accompany seven banknote denominations consisting of the 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 rubles, all having been issued on 1 July 2016 according to historical press releases from the central bank.
People will be able to use the 2000 series of banknotes until 31 December 2016. They can then be exchanged for the new series until 31 December 2021, after which they will be deemed invalid.
