Belarus Coins : 2 Roubles or Rubles 2009
Up until this coin’s release, Belarus was one of the few countries in the world that had never issued coins. While the coin’s date may read 2009, it interestingly wasn’t released into circulation until 2016, roughly 8 years after they were initially minted!
Interesting Facts about the 2009 Belarus Coins
Crazy inflation has long plagued Belarus, which is why it had never issued coins earlier. Finally, in 2016 the government announced the emergence of the New Belarusian rouble which due to inflation would see it drop four zeros from its current currency system.
Belarus originally used the Soviet Rouble as their currency but started to run into a situation where they lacked a supply of cash. They were not allowed to print more Soviet banknotes which led to their decision to create their own national currency. They originally sought to name the new currency the Thaler but this was quickly rejected in favour of the Rouble by the government’s Communist majority.
In total, 8 different coin denominations would be minted in 2008, all with a 2009 date. They were minted in 2008 since the plan was for them to be issued into circulation the following year in 2009. The country’s economy, however, was struggling which forced the coins to be placed in storage until July 1 2016 when they were finally released.
The coins are minted by the Lithuanian and Kremnica mints, and the bi-metallic 2 Rouble coin is the largest and most beautiful of the coins in the series. The other coins in the series are made of copper-plated, brass-plated, and nickel-plated steel.
Interesting Facts about Belarus
Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe that gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It is for this reason that it was formerly known as Belorussia. Belarusian and Russian are spoken in the nation.
The president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has been in power since 1994. Many label him to be the “last dictator” of Europe. While the country works with the EU, it is not part of the EU nor does it intend to join any time soon.
Roughly 40% of Belarus is covered in natural forest including the Białowieża Forest which is home to Europe’s heaviest land animal the European bison. The country’s capital and largest city is Minsk, where you’ll find loads of colourful and large street art murals along streets like Oktyabrskaya Street.
Coin Specs
Obverse Description:
БЕЛАРУСЬ РЭСПУБЛIКА БЕЛАРУСЬ 2009
Translation: Belarus Republic of Belarus 2009
Reverse Description:
National ornament symbolizing the pursuit of happiness and freedom – 2 рублі
Translation: 2 roubles
Size and Weight
Composition: Bimetallic coin with copper-nickel plated steel centre within a brass plated steel ring.
Weight 5.81 g
Diameter 23.5 mm
Thickness 2.0 mm
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Value
You can usually pick this coin up for around $2-$4 USD when buying online. The 2 Rouble coin actually has a value of just under one US Dollar.
