diff --git a/contrib/rpm/fulcrum.spec b/contrib/rpm/fulcrum.spec
index cbd4447c..39b8789b 100644
--- a/contrib/rpm/fulcrum.spec
+++ b/contrib/rpm/fulcrum.spec
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 Name:    {{{ git_repo_name name="fulcrum" }}}
-Version: 1.9.5
+Version: 1.9.6
 Release: {{{ git_repo_version }}}%{?dist}
 Summary: A fast & nimble SPV server for Bitcoin Cash & Bitcoin BTC
 
diff --git a/doc/unix-man-page.md b/doc/unix-man-page.md
index f5f1b519..8b655a39 100644
--- a/doc/unix-man-page.md
+++ b/doc/unix-man-page.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-% FULCRUM(1) Version 1.9.5 | Fulcrum Manual
+% FULCRUM(1) Version 1.9.6 | Fulcrum Manual
 % Fulcrum is written by Calin Culianu (cculianu)
-% November 06, 2023
+% November 10, 2023
 
 # NAME
 
diff --git a/src/Common.h b/src/Common.h
index af970f1f..1a868632 100644
--- a/src/Common.h
+++ b/src/Common.h
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ struct InternalError : Exception { using Exception::Exception; ~InternalError()
 struct BadArgs : Exception { using Exception::Exception; ~BadArgs() override; };
 
 #define APPNAME "Fulcrum"
-#define VERSION "1.9.5"
+#define VERSION "1.9.6"
 #ifdef QT_DEBUG
 inline constexpr bool isReleaseBuild() { return false; }
 #else