AIFC hosts “Art of Money: from minted coins to digital assets” event to mark National Currency Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan

On 6 November 2026, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan held an event dedicated to National Currency Day. The programme combined an exhibition on the history of the tenge and monetary culture, a discussion of modern financial instruments and digital assets, and an interactive programme for guests. 

One of the central elements of the event was the opening of the “Art of Money. From Minted Coins to Digital Assets” exhibition at the AIFC Museum, based on the private collection of Kazakhstani collector and numismatist Rashit Abdrazakov. The exhibition introduced guests to the history of Kazakhstan’s national currency, changes in the design of banknotes and coins, commemorative issues, and themes reflecting the country’s culture, nature and historical heritage.

The exhibition’s main section, “The Tenge: A Story of Its Own,” brought together the first issues of the national currency, including tiyn coins and the first banknotes issued in 1993, subsequent changes in denominations and design, commemorative coins, and materials dedicated to anniversaries of the tenge. The exhibits demonstrated how national symbols, the history of the capital, natural wealth and other themes important to Kazakhstan have been reflected in its currency. 

The “From Steppe to Stars” section featured Kazakhstani and international commemorative coins related to space exploration. Space also holds a special place in Rashit Abdrazakov’s collection. He worked in Kazakhstan’s space industry for more than 15 years and has previously presented his collection at various exhibition venues. 

The “Collector’s Cabinet” section introduced visitors to the practical side of numismatics, including catalogues, albums and tools used to study, authenticate, store and systematise collectible items. Rashit Abdrazakov led a guided tour of the exhibition, shared the stories behind individual exhibits and answered questions from guests and journalists. 

“For me, collecting is first and foremost a way to preserve history through tangible objects. Coins and banknotes reflect not only the economy of their time, but also culture, national symbols, major events and the way a country changes. The tenge holds a special place in my collection: its different issues allow us to trace an entire chapter in the history of independent Kazakhstan. I am pleased that this exhibition gives me an opportunity to share the collection with a wider audience and tell the story of our national currency through real historical objects,” said Rashit Abdrazakov. 

The exhibition connected the history of Kazakhstan’s national currency with the modern financial agenda, as representatives of the financial sector discussed the development of digital assets and new financial instruments. 

As part of the business programme, Madiyar Kyzaybekov, Chief Specialist of the Innovation and Digital Assets Division, Department of Payment Systems and Digital Financial Technologies of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, spoke about approaches to the regulation of digital assets. 

Anvar Nietkaliyev, Chief Executive Officer of Commodity Chain Ltd., also presented a case study on grain tokenisation and the use of digital infrastructure for real-world assets. 

The event reflected the evolution of financial instruments — from physical currency and the history of the tenge to modern digital solutions and the tokenisation of real-world assets. 

The programme concluded with an interactive session on financial topics. 

The event provided a platform for discussion on the history of the national currency, the development of financial culture, and the transformation of financial instruments under the influence of technology. 

Reference: 

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. www.aifc.kz     

AIFC Press Office, 

Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary 

E-mail: [email protected]