Ukraine: First commemorative coins released since invasion salutes world friends in support of democracy

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The National Bank of Ukraine has just released their first commemorative coins since the country’s invasion by Russian forces on the 24th February. Since this day, the nation and its people have been staunchly defending their homeland and repelling the deadly, destructive aggression brought to their country by the president and government in the Kremlin. In support of Ukraine’s defence of their territory, numerous countries have come to their aid with funds, weapons, military advisors, humanitarian assistance, and moral support, especially to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine since 2019.

During a short ceremony at the National Bank, a silver coin was presented to representatives from the embassies of France, Japan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, the United States, the Czech Republic, and Poland, each country noted on the commemorative coin. The meeting was overseen by Deputy National Bank Governor Oleksiy Shaban and Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova.

As a testament that Ukrainians are stoically trying to lead their lives in the face of approaching Russian soldiers entering the capital city, it was reported by national media that by 9:00 am on the morning of the 14th July, a crowd of about 80 people had already gathered outside the branch of one bank in Kyiv to purchase the coin. Currently, only a few branches of commercial banks were able to offer the coins as the National Bank’s online coin portal has been offline. However, the queue was interrupted by an air raid siren which closed the branch business for some time. Since the start of the war, there has been a huge demand for all things patriotic, and many Ukrainians have commented these eye-catching coins certainly fit the bill.

These commemorative coins ‘In Unity, Strength’ begins a new series entitled My Immortal Ukraine and are the first coins to be issued into circulation by the National Bank of Ukraine during wartime. From concept, production and issue, these coins were created in a time of war, literally to the sound of air raid sirens outside the walls of the National Bank. Produced by the Ukrainian Mint at their facilities in Kyiv, the designs are the work of Alina Maliuta, Serhii Topkin and Sviatoslav Ivanenko. The obverse side is especially poignant as it depicts the flags of all the nations who have lent their invaluable support, many of these countries border Ukraine or share a similar history. The flags depicted are the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, Canada, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Japan. Above the collection of flags is the text or inscription В ЄДНОСТІ – СИЛА – IN UNITY STRENGTH written in Ukrainian and English The reverse side shows the national crest centred and surrounded by a stylised composition of eight pairs of hands clasped, symbolising the unity of people of goodwill around the world. Surrounding the crest and hands is a blue and yellow ribbon, Ukraine’s national colours and is shown in colour. Above the primary design is the text УКРАЇНА (Ukraine) along the upper edge and to the left is the year of issue 2022. To the right is the distinctive mintmark of the Ukrainian Mint and below is the coins’s face value of 10 ГРИВЕНЬ (silver) or 5 ГРИВЕНЬ (Cupro-nickel)

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Mintage Limit
5 grivnya	Cupro-nickel	16.5 g	35 mm	Brilliant Unc. with applied colour	*250,000
10 grivnya	.925 Silver	31.1 g	38.6 mm	Proof with applied colour	5,000

The silver Proof versions are encapsulated and presented in a branded National Bank of Ukraine custom case accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. *Of the total mintage figure for the cupro-nickel version, 75,000 pieces will be presented in a coin folder. Due to the difficulties in logistics during a time of war, the commemorative coins can be purchased directly thus far only from banks-distributors selling commemorative coins and souvenir products in Ukraine. Those selling points are JSC UKRGAZBANK, JSC AB “RADABANK, JSC TASKOMBANK, and JSC CB PrivatBank.

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