The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued an upgraded 100 manat banknote featuring a refreshed design and a new generation of security features.
The updated note entered circulation on July 15, 2026, completing another step in Azerbaijan’s ongoing modernization of its banknote series.
Unlike a completely new series, the 2026 issue retains the familiar theme and much of the overall appearance of the existing 100 manat. The biggest changes are found in its security technology, updated design elements and newly redesigned vertical reverse.
Continuing Azerbaijan’s Banknote Modernization
The Central Bank has been gradually updating Azerbaijan’s banknotes rather than replacing the entire series at once. Since 2021, modernized versions of the 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 manat denominations have been introduced. The 100 manat is the latest denomination to receive the treatment.
The new note continues the “Economy and Development” theme of the existing 100 manat and remains part of the broader “Independent Azerbaijan” banknote concept. The front depicts architectural symbols representing development from ancient times to the present, together with symbols of the Azerbaijani manat and economic growth. While the general theme remains familiar, the 2026 version incorporates several noticeable changes.
A New Vertical Reverse
One of the most distinctive changes appears on the reverse.
Following a growing international trend in banknote design, Azerbaijan has redesigned the back of the 100 manat in a vertical format.
The reverse continues to incorporate imagery associated with Azerbaijan, including a map of the country and traditional Azerbaijani ornamental patterns. The combination creates an unusual hybrid format: a traditional horizontal obverse paired with a vertically oriented reverse.
New RollingStar Hologram
Among the most prominent security upgrades is a new RollingStar® LEAD hologram.
When the banknote is tilted, the hologram displays an image of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan’s new administrative building that changes from turquoise to purple. A three-dimensional manat symbol also transforms into the number 100 when viewed from different angles. The feature uses micro-mirror technology to produce dynamic movement and color effects that are difficult to reproduce using conventional printing or copying equipment.
RollingStar Security Thread
The banknote also incorporates a RollingStar® i+ security thread.
The windowed thread displays the denomination “100” and the letters “CBA,” representing the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. When the note is tilted, a dynamic light effect moves through the thread while its appearance transitions between blue and purple.
Together with the hologram, the thread gives the upgraded note considerably more dynamic visual security than earlier versions.
SPARK Flow Prime
Another major addition is a SPARK Flow® Prime security feature located on the front of the banknote. The feature takes the form of the Azerbaijani manat symbol. When the banknote is moved vertically, the symbol changes between purple and bronze while dynamic patterns appear within the feature.
SPARK technology has become increasingly common on modern high-value banknotes because the movement and color-changing effects provide an authentication feature that can be checked quickly without specialized equipment.
Updated Watermark and Other Security Features
The watermark has also been updated.
When the banknote is held to the light, the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Azerbaijan appears alongside the denomination 100. Other security features include iridescent ink displaying “100” and “AZN,” microtext, anti-copy line patterns, color transitions, blind embossing, security fibers and ultraviolet elements.
Raised tactile printing is incorporated into several areas of the note. Special raised lines along the left and right sides of the front also help blind and visually impaired users identify the denomination by touch.
New Signature and 2026 Date
The upgraded banknote carries the signature of Taleh Tahir Kazimov, Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The banknote also carries the issue year 2026, distinguishing it from earlier versions of the denomination.
Existing 100 Manat Notes Remain Valid
The introduction of the upgraded banknote does not invalidate previous 100 manat notes.
The Central Bank has confirmed that both the new and existing versions will circulate together and remain legal tender without limitation. That makes the 2026 issue an addition to Azerbaijan’s circulating currency rather than a forced replacement of the previous design.
A Familiar Banknote with Modern Security
At first glance, Azerbaijan’s new 100 manat may not appear as dramatic a change as some of the completely redesigned banknotes introduced during 2026. Look closer, however, and the differences become much more significant.
The vertical reverse, RollingStar hologram and security thread, SPARK Flow Prime feature, new watermark and updated accessibility features represent a substantial technological upgrade to the denomination. It also brings the 100 manat in line with the modernization program that Azerbaijan has been carrying out across its banknote series since 2021.
For collectors, the combination of the 2026 date, Kazimov signature and redesigned security features makes the new issue readily distinguishable from previous versions of the denomination.
Denomination: 100 Manat
Issue date: July 15, 2026
Issuer: Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Theme: Economy and Development
Color: Purple
Substrate: Paper
Major security features: RollingStar® LEAD hologram, RollingStar® i+ security thread, SPARK Flow® Prime, watermark, iridescent ink and tactile features
Signature: Taleh Tahir Kazimov
Status: Circulating alongside previous 100 manat banknotes
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