Illustrated Specimen Details: Republic of Georgia 20 Tetri
Example Specimen: 20 Tetri, 1993 (Striked in 1995, Republic of Georgia)
Iconography & Art: The obverse of this coin highlights a beautiful cultural tribute, featuring a mirrored red deer adapted from the famous artwork "Deer" by Niko Pirosmanashvili (Pirosmani). He was a world-renowned self-taught Georgian painter of the 20th century and a prominent representative of the primitivist style. Next to the image is the denomination inscription: 20 თეთრი (20 tetri). The reverse displays the Borjgali (ბორჯღალი), a powerful ancient Georgian symbol of the Sun, movement, and eternity, depicted with seven rotating wings over the stylized Tree of Life. It is encircled by the state name in both Georgian and English: საქართველოს რესპუბліკა - REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA.
Mintage & Circulation: Although this coin bears the frozen year date of 1993, it was officially released into active circulation later in 1995 during the decisive national monetary reform. This series was struck with high precision by the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris) in France.
Denomination: 20 Tetri
Date: 1993 (Circulated since 1995)
Metal: Stainless steel
Weight: 5 g | Diameter: 25 mm
Estimated value: 0.2$
DENOMINATION GUIDE — WHERE & WHEN (coins catalog: by names & emitents)
- GEORGIA (1993-present): 1 tetri = 1/100 lari
About the name of the coin: The word tetri (თეთრი) literally translates to "white" in the Georgian language. This name roots back to the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, which existed on modern Georgian territory from the 6th-1st centuries BC. During that era, the term was traditionally used by locals to describe various silver or white-colored coins. A direct linguistic and etymological parallel can be found in western numismatics with the old German denarius known as the albus, derived from the Latin word for white.
Historical Context and Cultural Identity on Georgian Coinage
The introduction of the modern tetri and lari in 1995 marked a monumental economic and cultural milestone for Georgia. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the young state faced severe hyperinflation and financial instability. Establishing a stable national currency was not only essential for economic stabilization but also served as a profound declaration of restored sovereignty.
The Borjgali and National Symbolism
The choice of symbols for the new coins was intentional, aiming to connect modern Georgia with its ancient Caucasian heritage. The Borjgali featured on the reverse is one of the oldest symbols of Georgian identity. Its seven radial, curved sunbeams represent cosmic order, perpetual movement, and the flow of time. It stands as a powerful emblem of resilience and eternity, appearing regularly on official state documents, identification cards, and currency.
Honoring Primitivist Masterpieces
By choosing to display Niko Pirosmani's art on a circulating coin, Georgia integrated its rich art history directly into daily market transactions. Pirosmani's minimalist yet expressive depictions of wildlife and rural Georgian life are deeply cherished. The 20 tetri coin effectively transformed a standard fractional unit of currency into a pocket-sized gallery honoring a national icon.
Today, these stainless steel coins continue to handle everyday retail or accounting transactions alongside larger lari values. For international numismatists, the early 1993 series remains highly appealing due to its beautiful execution, the unique aesthetic of the Georgian script, and its representation of post-Soviet monetary evolution.