5 Som

Kyrgyzstan introduced its national currency, the som, in May 1993 — less than two years after independence — replacing the Soviet ruble at a time when hyperinflationary pressure was destroying purchasing power across the former Soviet republics. The 1994-dated notes represent the first fully developed series, following an emergency transitional issue. Printing was handled by the British firm De La Rue.

The watermark is the sole security feature on this denomination, a notably minimal specification for a note that would have seen heavy everyday use at the time of issue.