Central Bank of Myanmar Banknotes: A Complete Series Guide

The Central Bank of Myanmar Banknotes offer a crucial window into the nation's identity and economic evolution. This comprehensive guide will explore Central Bank of Myanmar banknotes, from their 1990 Aung San Series and iconic Chinthe designs, to subsequent high denominations and the latest 2020 issues. While various institutions have shaped Burma's currency over time—as detailed in our article on the Issuers of Burma Banknotes and further referenced on the official Central Bank of Myanmar website—this guide focuses specifically on the Central Bank of Myanmar. Discover their unique designs, rich history, and distinctive features across multiple series.

In this complete guide, we will explore Central Bank of Myanmar banknotes by categorizing them into distinct series for clarity and historical context. These include the 1990 Aung San Series, the iconic Chinthe (King Lion) Large Size Series, its Chinthe (King Lion) Reduced Size Series, the 2009 and 2012 High Denomination Series, the 2014 and 2015 High Denomination Series, and the latest 2020 Aung San Series.

1990 Aung San Series

The 1990 Aung San Series featuring the denomination of 1 kyat is the first series after Burma changed its official name in English to Myanmar. This banknote holds significant historical and cultural value. Aung San whose portrait appears on the obverse side of the note is considered the father of modern Myanmar and played a crucial role in the country's fight for freedom.

Denomination: 1 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 131 x 62 mm
Color: Pale brown and orange
Obverse Design: Aung San with cap
Reverse Design: Dragon carving, lotus
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid Thread
Watermark: Aung San
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 1 March 1990
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B101; Pick 67

Chinthe (King Lion) Large Size Series

The Chinthe, also known as the King Lion, is a mythical creature that holds great significance in Myanmar's culture and traditions. The Chinthe is believed to be a guardian spirit, protecting sacred places such as temples and pagodas.

The Central Bank of Myanmar released a series of banknotes featuring the Chinthe design in a large-size format. These banknotes showcase intricate artwork and detailed depictions of the Chinthe, reflecting the country's artistic heritage. The Chinthe Large Size series banknotes are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts due to their unique design and cultural significance.

Even though the lowest denomination of this series, the 50 pyas equivalent to half a kyat, does not feature the Chinthe design, it is included in this series as it has the same CBM watermark as the other notes in the series. The other notes in this series that feature the Chinthe design have the denominations of 1 kyat, 5 kyats, 10 kyats, 20 kyats, 100 kyats, 200 kyats, 500 kyats, and 1,000 kyats.

Denomination: 50 Pyas
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 110 x 55 mm
Color: Dull purple and dull brown
Obverse Design: Burmese harp
Reverse Design: Guilloches
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: None
Watermark: CBM
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 27 March 1994
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B102; Pick 68

Denomination: 1 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 110 x 55 mm
Color: Gray, blue, and purple
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Racing boats on Yangon Royal Lake, Karaweik Hall
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread
Watermark: CBM
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 31 October 1996
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B103; Pick 69
2 Varieties: 1. Thin paper 2. Thick paper

Denomination: 5 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 130 x 62 mm
Color: Dark brown and blue-green
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Playing chinlone (cane ball)
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread
Watermark: Chinthe and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 1 May 1995
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B104; Pick 70
2 Varieties: 1. Thin paper 2. Thick paper

Denomination: 10 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 130 x 62 mm
Color: Deep purple and violet
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Royal barge
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread
Watermark: Chinthe and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 1 May 1995
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B105; Pick 71
2 Varieties: 1. Thin paper 2. Thick paper

Denomination: 20 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 146 x 70 mm
Color: Blue-green and deep olive-green
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Elephant fountain in Yangon People's Park
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread with Burmese text
Watermark: Chinthe and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 27 March 1994
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B106; Pick 72
2 Varieties: 1. Thin paper 2. Thick paper

Denomination: 50 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 146 x 70 mm
Color: Red-brown and dark brown
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Lacquerware worker and lacquerware
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread with Burmese text
Watermark: 2 varieties
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 1 March 1995
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B107; Pick 73
2 Varieties: 1. Chinthe watermark 2. Chinthe and Burmese numeral watermark

Denomination: 100 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 146 x 70 mm
Color: Blue, violet, green and brown
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Workers restoring temple
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: 2 varieties
Watermark: Chinthe and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 27 March 1994
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B108; Pick 74
2 Varieties: 1. Solid thread with Burmese text 2. Windowed thread with demetalized SPW

Denomination: 200 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 167 x 80 mm
Color: Blue and green
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Elephant dragging log in forest
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: 2 varieties
Watermark: 2 varieties
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 27 March 1990
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B109; Pick 75
2 Varieties: 1. Solid thread with Burmese text and Chinthe watermark 2. Windowed thread with demetalized SPW and Chinthe and Burmese numeral watermark

Denomination: 500 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 167 x 80 mm
Color: Brown, purple and brown-orange
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Men working on the statute of Maha Bandoola
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: 2 varieties
Watermark: Chinthe and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 27 March 1994
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B110; Pick 76
2 Varieties: 1. Solid thread with Burmese text 2. Windowed thread with demetalized SPW

Denomination: 1000 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 177 x 80 mm
Color: Green and purple
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Central Bank of Myanmar building in Yangon
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Windowed thread with demetalized K1000
Watermark: Chinthe and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 25 November 1998
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B111; Pick 77

Chinthe (King Lion) Reduced Size Series

Following the Chinthe Large Size Series, the Central Bank of Myanmar introduced a reduced-size version of the Chinthe banknotes. These banknotes retained the iconic Chinthe design but in a more compact format.

The Chinthe Reduced Size Series banknotes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a convenient means of payment in daily transactions. The reduced size series has 3 largest denominations of the preceding series that were widely circulated throughout Myanmar and in high demand, i.e., 200 kyats, 500 kyats, and 1,000 kyats. In addition to the compact size, to differentiate this series from the preceding series, the denominations and serial numbers have been repositioned.

Denomination: 200 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 150 x 70 mm
Color: Blue and green
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Elephant dragging log in forest
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Windowed thread with demetalized SPW
Watermark: Chinthe and Burmese numeral watermark
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 30 September 2004
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B112; Pick 78

Denomination: 500 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 150 x 70 mm
Color: Brown, purple and brown-orange
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Men working on the statute of Maha Bandoola
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Windowed thread with demetalized SPW
Watermark: Chinthe and Burmese numeral watermark
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 27 March 1994
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B113; Pick 79

Denomination: 1000 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 150 x 70 mm
Color: Green and purple
Obverse Design: Chinthe (mythical lion) facing left
Reverse Design: Central Bank of Myanmar building in Yangon
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Windowed thread with demetalized K1000
Watermark: Chinthe and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 30 September 2004
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B114; Pick 80

1st High Denomination Series

In 2009 and 2012, the Central Bank of Myanmar introduced a series of high-denomination banknotes to meet the growing demand for larger currency denominations. The 5000 kyats were issued first and then followed by 10000 kyats.

The 2009 and 2012 High Denomination Series banknotes incorporate advanced security measures compared to the previous series making them difficult to replicate. These banknotes not only facilitate larger transactions but also instill confidence in the financial system and protect against fraudulent activities.

Denomination: 5000 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 150 x 70 mm
Color: Purple
Obverse Design: Walking elephant facing right
Reverse Design: Assembly Hall of the Union in Naypyidaw
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Windowed thread with demetalized K5000
Watermark: Elephant and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 1 October 2009
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B115; Pick 81

Denomination: 10000 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 150 x 70 mm
Color: Blue, red, green, purple, brown and yellow
Obverse Design: Map of Myanmar and elephants
Reverse Design: Assembly Hall of the Union in Naypyidaw
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Windowed thread with demetalized MYANMAR SPW
Watermark: Lotus blossom and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 15 June 2012
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B116; Pick 82

2nd High Denomination Series

Continuing the trend of introducing high-denomination banknotes, the Central Bank of Myanmar issued a new series in 2014 and 2015. These banknotes, available in values of 5000 and 10000 kyats, feature updated security features. For the 5000 Kyat banknote, the security thread differs from the previous series. For the 10000 Kyat banknote, the frame is blue instead of white and the denomination of 10000 in Burmese numerals are printed in green colored spark.

Denomination: 5000 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 150 x 70 mm
Color: Purple
Obverse Design: Walking elephant facing right
Reverse Design: Assembly Hall of the Union in Naypyidaw
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Color-changing windowed thread with demetalized SPW MYANMAR
Watermark: Elephant and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 1 October 2014
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B117; Pick 83

Denomination: 10000 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 150 x 70 mm
Color: Blue, red, green, purple, brown and yellow
Obverse Design: Map of Myanmar and elephants
Reverse Design: Assembly Hall of the Union in Naypyidaw
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Color-changing windowed thread with demetalized MYANMAR SPW
Watermark: Lotus blossom and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 1 July 2015
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B118; Pick 84

2020 Aung San Series

In 2020, the Central Bank of Myanmar released a new series of banknotes to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of independence. These banknotes show the portrait of Aung San, paying tribute to his legacy and contributions to Myanmar's independence.

The Central Bank of Myanmar announced that several dominations from 10 kyats to 10000 kyats will be issued. However, so far, only 500 kyats and 1000 kyats banknotes have been issued. The 1000 Kyat, the first note of the series, was issued on the Independence Day anniversary.

Denomination: 500 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 150 x 70 mm
Color: Red and purple
Obverse Design: Aung San with cloth turban
Reverse Design: Central Bank of Myanmar building in Naypyidaw
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Windowed thread with demetalized CBM 500 SPW
Watermark: Aung San and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 19 July 2020
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B118.5; Pick 85

Denomination: 1000 Kyat
Issuer: Central Bank of Myanmar
Size: 150 x 70 mm
Color: Blue
Obverse Design: Aung San with cloth turban
Reverse Design: Assembly Hall of the Union in Naypyidaw
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Windowed thread with demetalized CBM 1000 SPW
Watermark: Aung San and Burmese numeral
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 4 January 2020
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B119; Pick 86

Updated Information: We've covered the monumental Myanmar 20000 Kyat Banknote: 2023 Commemorative Issue in a dedicated article. Discover the fascinating details behind this banknote and the pivotal events it celebrates.

Conclusion

The banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Myanmar reflect the country's rich history, cultural heritage, and economic development. From the iconic 1990 Aung San series to the intricately designed Chinthe banknotes and the current 2020 Aung San series, each series holds its significance and tells a unique story.

As Myanmar continues to progress and evolve, its banknotes will undoubtedly evolve as well. These banknotes serve as a tangible representation of the nation's identity and symbolize its aspirations for a brighter future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the main series of banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM)?

A: The Central Bank of Myanmar has issued several distinct series of banknotes, including the 1990 Aung San Series, the Chinthe (King Lion) Large Size Series, the Chinthe (King Lion) Reduced Size Series, the 2009 and 2012 High Denomination Series, the 2014 and 2015 High Denomination Series, and the 2020 Aung San Series.

Q: What is the significance of the "Chinthe" (King Lion) on CBM banknotes?

A: The Chinthe, a mythical lion, holds great cultural significance in Myanmar, believed to be a guardian spirit protecting sacred places. Its depiction on CBM banknotes (both Large and Reduced Size Series) reflects the country's artistic heritage and is highly sought after by collectors.

Q: Which series of CBM banknotes feature the portrait of General Aung San?

A: General Aung San's portrait is featured on the 1990 Aung San Series (1 Kyat) and the more recent 2020 Aung San Series (500 Kyat, 1000 Kyat issued so far). His image on the currency pays tribute to his legacy as the father of modern Myanmar.

Q: When did the Central Bank of Myanmar begin issuing high-denomination banknotes, and what was their purpose?

A: The Central Bank of Myanmar introduced its first high-denomination banknotes in 2009 (5000 Kyat) and 2012 (10000 Kyat). These were issued to meet the growing demand for larger currency denominations and incorporated advanced security measures to facilitate transactions and combat counterfeiting.

Q: What distinguishes the "Chinthe (King Lion) Reduced Size Series" from its "Large Size Series" counterpart?

A: The Reduced Size Series retained the iconic Chinthe design but in a more compact format for convenience. It focuses on three widely circulated highest denominations (200, 500, and 1,000 Kyats) and features repositioned denominations and serial numbers to differentiate them from the larger preceding series.