5 Lari GEO Banknote (2002–2014 Series) 2002-2013

5 Lari Lari (Issued 2002-2013)

Rooted in the classical intaglio tradition of European banknote design, the Georgian 5 Lari note of the 2002–2014 series employs a refined palette of warm browns, ochres, and muted teals that give it a measured, scholarly character entirely fitting for a denomination honouring one of Georgia’s foremost cultural figures. The layout follows the portrait-dominant philosophy common to central European and post-Soviet monetary design of the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the human subject occupying a generous portion of the composition and architectural ornament providing visual counterbalance. Fine-line guilloché work underpins much of the background, lending the surface a structured elegance that reflects the National Bank of Georgia’s commitment to both security and aesthetic coherence. Compared with other denominations of the same Lari System series, this note achieves a particular warmth through its earthy tonal range.

On the front, the dominant element is a finely engraved portrait of Ivane Javakhishvili, the distinguished Georgian historian and founder of Tbilisi State University, rendered in precise intaglio line work that captures his silver-white hair, prominent moustache, and dignified bearing in a three-quarter facing pose. He is depicted in formal dark attire, and the engraving conveys considerable tonal depth, with hatching and cross-hatching giving strong dimensionality to the face and jacket. To the right of the portrait, a carved stone column or pillar fragment with intricate ornamental relief — reminiscent of traditional Georgian ecclesiastical stonework — acts as a vertical compositional anchor, its dark brown engraving contrasting with the lighter background. The issuing authority’s name appears in Georgian Mkhedruli script running vertically along the left margin, with additional Georgian script text and what appears to be a facsimile signature occupying the upper central field, alongside the National Bank’s circular emblem. The serial number C34163313 appears twice — once in the upper right and once along the lower left — printed in dark brown against the pale ground. The year 2002 is inscribed in small text near the lower centre of the note. The numeral “5” is presented in bold form at the lower right, set within a warm golden-brown square panel that provides immediate denomination identification, and a small triangle security mark sits just above it. The background incorporates subtle teal and pale blue-green tonal washes overlaid with fine geometric guilloché patterns, while the left margin carries the denomination in large Georgian script characters, running vertically in deep brown.

The reverse is composed in a complementary warm brown and pale teal palette, with three distinct design zones working in visual dialogue. On the left, a small outline map of Georgia and its immediate neighbours is printed in fine line work, clearly labelling Russia to the north, Turkey and the Black Sea to the west, and Armenia and Azerbaijan to the south, with Tbilisi marked as the capital — a cartographic feature that grounds the note firmly in its national geographic context. Centrally and to the right, a detailed intaglio engraving depicts a grand neoclassical building with a prominent dome and elegant multi-windowed façade, identifiable as Tbilisi State University, which bears direct thematic connection to Javakhishvili’s portrait on the obverse. The building’s engraving is rendered with considerable architectural precision, and it is set within an oval or shield-shaped frame surrounded by stylised foliage and open books, reinforcing the academic and cultural theme. To the lower left of the reverse, a sculptural figure of a lion — clearly drawn from an ancient Georgian bronze artefact — stands in profile, its surface decorated with ornamental patterns, lending the composition a historical and archaeological resonance. The denomination “GEORGIA FIVE LARI” is printed in Latin script horizontally across the lower centre of the note, alongside the Georgian Mkhedruli script reading “ხუთი ლარი”. A small decorative rosette or cross-pattern emblem appears in the central field, consistent with the security motif used across the series. The overall reverse design is set against a pale teal and cream ground with fine background patterning.

Wondering who buys foreign coins and notes? Webuyallcurrency.com does — a 5 Lari banknote like this is accepted alongside other current Georgian Lari banknotes, so you can exchange the lot for cash at once.

• Indicate the quantity of 5 Lari Lari banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Whether you want to sell foreign coins and notes or exchange leftover currency from past trips, Webuyallcurrency.com accepts Georgian Lari banknotes alongside modern money and settles everything in a single, easy transaction.