Published
12/15/2025, 13:40Chingiz Aitmatov, an author whose books have been translated into more than 150 languages and continue to be part of the global cultural canon, would have turned 97 on December 12. In Kyrgyzstan, the memory of the writer will now be preserved not only in textbooks and libraries, but also in numismatists' collections.
Back in 2009, the National Bank issued a special series of commemorative coins dedicated to Aitmatov's key works. A total of six coins were released, each reflecting key motifs and images from his famous works, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage and profound philosophy of the great writer.
This collection is not only a valuable exhibit for numismatists, but also an important reminder of Chingiz Aitmatov's contribution to world literature and the culture of Kyrgyzstan.
The complete collection consists of:
Only five coins remain in retail sale, all except the very first one — “Ch. Aitmatov.” Each of them costs 1,800 KGS. That is, at one time, the entire collection could be purchased for 10,800 KGS. For comparison, the 2009 “Ch. Aitmatov” coin with a face value of 10 KGS could not be found on sale today. However, its 2018 reissue with a face value of 20 KGS is available on the market — the cost of one coin reaches about 30,000 KGS.
You can also buy individual coins from the series on a Russian numismatic website, but their price is already 2.65 times higher. The complete set of six coins is valued even higher. Since official sales have ended, the price of the set is not fixed. In other words, this series has already become a valuable numismatic set.
The coins, issued on May 4, 2009, are made of 925 silver, each weighing 28.28 grams. Thematically, they cover the writer's key works: from “Jamila” to “The White Steamboat.” Each coin comes with a certificate of authenticity and an illustrative booklet.
