Global practice shows that many countries issue commemorative coins in honor of their law enforcement agencies, which are valued by collectors and serve as a sign of respect for the defenders of the law.
For instance, in the USA, a silver coin with a face value of one dollar was issued in March 2021 in memory of fallen law enforcement officers. In Russia, a commemorative coin worth 25 rubles features police officers and a service dog, as well as the emblem of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the ministry building in Moscow. Belarus celebrated the centenary of its police force by issuing a gold coin with a face value of 50 Belarusian rubles, with a limited mintage of only 300 copies, which today is worth nearly 2000 dollars. Meanwhile, Italy issued a bimetallic coin with a face value of 500 lira in 1997 to mark the 50th anniversary of the state police, and Egypt released a copper-nickel coin worth 20 piastres in 1988 in honor of Police Day (January 25).
These examples inspired the idea of creating similar symbols of recognition for Kyrgyz law enforcement officers. In 2024, the Kyrgyz police celebrated the centenary of its existence, as the first law enforcement agencies in the country were established in 1924 with the formation of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region. The official date of the police's establishment is considered to be November 1. This information was provided by Ernist Osmonbaev, the former deputy head of the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and currently the chief specialist of the same department.
According to him, commemorative coins in Kyrgyzstan are mainly dedicated to monuments, historical and natural landmarks, as well as state symbols. However, the creation of stamps or coins in honor of police officers could elevate their status and prestige in society, as well as remind people of the important role of the police in ensuring safety.
“The only case when stamps featuring law enforcement officers were issued in Kyrgyzstan occurred in October 2020, when the State Enterprise 'Kyrgyzmarka' presented a series titled 'Emergency Services of Kyrgyzstan,' dedicated to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This series depicted the Ambulance Service, the Fire and Rescue Service, and the Public Order Protection Service. The anniversary of the Kyrgyz police is a great reason to issue commemorative stamps and coins, which would symbolize gratitude and serve as a reminder of the selfless work of those who protect citizens,” Osmonbaev emphasized back in 2024.
In 2025, the Joint Stock Company "Kyrgyz Post" issued a postage stamp dedicated to the centenary of the Kyrgyz police.
“This postage stamp is an expression of respect for our shared history, a recognition of the merits, and deep gratitude to all police officers who faithfully serve for the benefit of safety and public order. For philatelists, it will be interesting to know that the stamp features a police car, police officers, and the first general of the Kyrgyz police, Ergash Aliyev,” Osmonbaev noted.
The publication VB.KG also congratulates the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the successful implementation of this important initiative aimed at preserving the history and traditions of the Kyrgyz police.
