National Bank to issue an unusual coin with a rare metal

Tengrinews.kz — The National Bank of Kazakhstan will issue a 1,000-tenge collectible coin featuring an insert made of a rare metal — niobium.
What kind of coin is it
The National Bank’s press service said the Nb (niobium) collectible coin from "Kazakhstan's Subsoil" series will enter circulation on October 12.

“Niobium is a rare metal with atomic number 41 that is used in metallurgy, electronics, as well as the aerospace and nuclear industries. Its name comes from Niobe, a figure in ancient Greek mythology and the daughter of Tantalus,” the National Bank said.

According to the press service, the coin is made of 925 sterling silver with a niobium insert. Its total weight is 32.8 grams, including 31.1 grams of silver and 1.7 grams of niobium. The coin has a diameter of 38.61 millimeters.
Nb collectible coin. Image: nationalbank.kz
Only 1,000 coins will be issued.
The National Bank noted that the coin must be accepted at its face value throughout Kazakhstan. It can be used for payments, deposited into a bank account, transferred, exchanged for smaller denominations or exchanged at any bank in the country.
“Kazakhstan's Subsoil”
"Kazakhstan's Subsoil" coin series is dedicated to the country’s natural resources and minerals mined in Kazakhstan that are important to the economy.
Coins in the series are made of silver and feature inserts made from chemical elements from the periodic table.
This summer, the National Bank also issued another 1,000-tenge collectible coin dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It features the flags of the host countries — Canada, the United States and Mexico — as well as the globe, the FIFA World Cup Trophy and silhouettes of football players.