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Banknotes with a face value of 5 rubles have reappeared in circulation. These bills, being a supplemental printing of the 1997 design, were manufactured in 2022. They are supplied in sealed bank packages, so-called 'bricks,' each containing 1,000 banknotes for a total value of 5,000 rubles.
Banknotes with a face value of 5 rubles have reappeared in circulation. These bills, being a supplemental printing of the 1997 design, were manufactured in 2022. They are supplied in sealed bank packages, so-called 'bricks,' each containing 1,000 banknotes for a total value of 5,000 rubles.
The packaging was produced at the Moscow Printing Factory (MPF), a branch of JSC 'Goznak'. This is indicated by the information on the label and a special hologram. The packaging also features the new ruble symbol, introduced in 2013, and the packaging date — November 21, 2022.
Upon opening the bank package, it was discovered that it contained not one, but several different series of banknotes. An initial inspection revealed six series, but a more detailed examination of the bundles uncovered all eight initial series issued as part of the 2022 supplemental printing. This means that even a single factory-sealed package can contain a complete starter set.
The distribution of the series turned out to be uneven. Some, like the ЧЛ series, were found much less frequently than others. This could affect their collectible value in the future, making complete sets of all eight series quite rare.
The new 5-ruble banknote has a rich lineage. Its direct 'older brother' is the 1997-issue 5-ruble banknote, which was in circulation until the early 2000s. Those bills were also printed at the Moscow and Perm factories, which could be identified by the first letters of the series.
The 'father' of the modern 5-ruble bill can be considered the 5,000-ruble banknote from 1995. After the 1998 redenomination, three zeros were removed from the banknotes, and 5,000 rubles became 5, while retaining the same design and size. Thus, the new banknote is the heir to a design developed back in the mid-1990s.
The main difference between the 2022 supplemental printing and the old 1997 banknotes is a special lacquer coating that increases the wear resistance and durability of the bills. This coating also makes the so-called Kipp effect more noticeable — when the banknote is tilted, the letters 'РР' become visible on the ornamental band.
The obverse side depicts the 'Millennium of Russia' monument against the backdrop of St. Sophia Cathedral in Veliky Novgorod. Interestingly, the cathedral itself, built in the mid-11th century, is one of the oldest churches in Russia. The reverse side shows a view of the Novgorod Kremlin wall. The city's name on the banknote is listed as 'Novgorod,' even though its historical name 'Veliky Novgorod' was restored in 1999.
With the appearance of the new banknotes, the question of their acceptance at retail outlets and banks arises. To find out, an experiment was conducted. Attempts to deposit cash via VTB and Sberbank ATMs were unsuccessful — the machines did not recognize the bills.
The reaction of bank tellers varied. At VTB, they recognized the banknote but noted that the equipment was not yet configured. At Sberbank, after a lengthy verification and consultation, the bill was eventually accepted for exchange, confirming its authenticity but noting that their counting machine could not recognize it. In grocery stores and fast-food outlets, the reaction was mixed.
| Location | Staff/Machine Reaction | Result |
| VTB ATM | Did not recognize | Rejected |
| VTB Teller | Recognized, but equipment not configured | Transaction declined |
| Sberbank Teller | Surprised, checked for a long time | Accepted for exchange |
| Pyaterochka Supermarket | Surprised, but accepted | Accepted |
| Small store | Surprised, but accepted | Accepted |
| Water Vending Machine | Did not recognize | Rejected |
| Vkusno i tochka | Surprised, refused | Rejected |
The experiment on using the new 5-ruble banknote in retail yielded mixed results. Clerks at a supermarket and a small store, though surprised, ultimately accepted the bill for payment. However, at the fast-food chain 'Vkusno i tochka,' after consulting with a manager, they refused to accept the banknote, citing that they only take 'standard' money.
Self-service machines also proved unprepared for the new bill. For example, a 'Zhivaya Voda' water vending machine did not recognize the banknote and returned it. This indicates that fully integrating the banknote into circulation will require time to update the software in ATMs, cash registers, and vending machines.
