Ideas of Creation: Kazakhstan's Commemorative Coin Series on Ancient Mythology

The Ideas of Creation series is dedicated to philosophical concepts, myths, and symbols that reflect ancient understandings of the universe. Each coin in the collection draws on legends and imagery rooted in the worldview of Kazakhstan's ancestors and their interpretation of natural laws. First Release: TÁŃIRLIK TANYM (2023) The opening coin of the series, TÁŃIRLIK TANYM, was issued in 2023. Its design is based on the ancient Kazakh legend of the Tree of Life — Bayterek. According to the myth, the tree's roots hold the earth in place, while its crown supports the heavens. The sacred bird Samruk nests at the top of the tree and embodies renewal and the cyclical change of seasons. At the roots lives the dragon Aydahar, who represents the eternal conflict between opposing forces: light and darkness, good and evil, summer and winter. The series was conceived as a tribute to the philosophical and cultural heritage of the Kazakh people. The coins combine rich visual imagery with mythological narratives, making them objects of interest both for collectors and for those studying Central Asian history. Illustration: collage, collectible coin TÁŃIRLIK TANYM; design by the National Bank of Kazakhstan.