According to the organization, approximately 100 new banknotes were issued worldwide in 2025, but only 17 were deemed sufficiently innovative in design and technology to be included in the shortlist. Among them was the Tajik banknote, representing Central Asia. Along with Tajikistan, Russia (with its 1,000-ruble banknote) and Kazakhstan (with its 1,000-tenge banknote) also participated in the competition.

The Tajik banknote features a vibrant, multi-colored design, dominated by blue, light blue, pink, and green hues. Its artistic concept reflects national history and statehood. The obverse depicts Ismaili Somoni, the founder of the first centralized Tajik state, and the Samanid Mausoleum. The composition is complemented by the coat of arms of Tajikistan, the commemorative logo for the 25th anniversary, and complex geometric elements.

The reverse side is dedicated to the modern state: it depicts the new parliament building, the state flag, and texts in Tajik and English.

Particular attention was paid to security features. The banknote features a watermark with a portrait of Ismoili Somoni, color-shifting Rolling Star elements, a windowed security thread with a dynamic effect, and a hidden number "100," as well as overlapping images and complex geometric structures. The banknote was printed by the German company Giesecke & Devrient and will be put into circulation on October 30, 2025.

Despite its high rating, Tajikistan's banknote was not among the competition's top winners. The winner was the 200-guilder banknote of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, featuring an "underwater world" theme and a hybrid design—a horizontal obverse and a vertical reverse.

Fiji's $5 banknote took second place, while Zambia's 100 kwacha banknote came in third. Banknotes from the Falkland Islands and Papua New Guinea also made it into the top five.

The International Banknote Society notes that the competition brings together the best examples of banknote design, which are considered not only as a means of payment but also as a reflection of national identity. Being included in the shortlist is considered significant international recognition.

Запись Tajikistan's 100-somoni banknote is among the best in the world. впервые появилась Tajikistan News in English.