The Central Bank of Russia announced that the redesigned 1,000 ruble banknote will be unveiled in 2024, according to Governor Elvira Nabiullina during a press conference held after a regulatory board meeting. The update comes as part of a broader refresh of the nation’s currency, with a focus on modern security features and clearer aesthetics for today’s users. The bank emphasized that the forthcoming release will feature improvements on the reverse side while the front remains aligned with prior expectations.
Officials clarified that work on the back side design will proceed with fresh input, ensuring the imagery aligns with Russia’s historical and cultural narrative. Nabiullina noted that the front face will stay consistent with what had been publicly anticipated, while the design process on the reverse side will be actively discussed and refined.
During the remarks, the governor highlighted the Bank’s intention to broaden the design review process. The Bank of Russia maintains expert groups dedicated to each denomination, bringing together historians, art curators, and other cultural authorities to advise on imagery, symbolism, and historical accuracy. This expanded involvement aims to give a fuller, more grounded representation on every note while maintaining practical considerations for production and circulation.
According to Nabiullina, the Bank plans to make these design discussions more transparent and accessible to the public, signaling a move toward greater openness about how currency imagery is chosen. She indicated that the updated 1,000 ruble note could be available to the public next year, framing the timeline as contingent on successful testing, public feedback, and final approvals.
Earlier on October 18, the Bank disclosed that the updated design for the 1,000 ruble note followed a period of public critique. The change was driven by the aim to better reflect the nation’s culture and history while ensuring the note meets security and usability standards. The discussion surrounding the new design also touched on how visual elements affect ease of recognition and trust in the currency.
Public discourse around the project included several points of concern, including debates about iconic architectural representations. Critics noted that the Kazan Kremlin temple complex was not depicted with a cross at the apex on the 1,000 ruble note, leading to discussions about how religious symbols and sacred architecture should appear in currency. Observers suggested that such imagery should balance cultural significance with contemporary design and regulatory guidelines, while others emphasized keeping the note functional and resistance to counterfeit.
A separate warning also circulated among the public regarding potential fraud related to newly issued banknotes, reminding citizens to stay vigilant and to rely on official channels for information. The Bank of Russia has reiterated that any changes to currency design are carried out with meticulous oversight, security testing, and broad consultation to minimize confusion and protect users from counterfeit risks.