What Does “Gnnet Gahka Poccnn” Mean?

The phrase “Gnnet Gahka Poccnn” is a common misspelling of the Russian phrase “Банк Примечание России” which translates to “Bank Note of Russia.” This phrase, pronounced as “Bilet Banka Rossii,” is found on the Russian ruble. One US dollar is equal to about 30 rubles, while one euro is equal to about 40 rubles.

Just like the United States dollar is divided into 100 cents, the ruble is divided into 100 kopeks. Ruble bills appear in 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 denominations; coins are minted in 1, 5, 10 and 50 kopeks, as well as 1, 2, 5 and 10 rubles. Ruble notes, tinted in blue, purple, orange, red and green, are much more colorful than their American counterparts. The ruble has remained relatively steady in value since 1998 (aside from a slight weakening in 2008).

For a long time, Russia had no official currency, and people used furs and foreign coins for trade. The ruble first began circulating in Russia 700 years ago, getting its name from the Russian word for “scar” that appeared due to the two-step molding process. It wasn’t until the rule of Elena Glinskaya, mother of Ivan the Terrible, that the ruble gained official status as Russia’s currency.