The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) put a silver commemorative coin into circulation on August 24 to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, the central bank's press service announced, describing the coin as unique.
The coin continues the NBU's "Ukrainian State" series. It was presented at the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, in the same building where lawmakers adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine on August 24, 1991.
Coin specifications
The coin has a face value of 20 hryvnias and is made of 925 sterling silver. It weighs 62.2 grams, with a mintage of up to 5,000 pieces. It is finished with patination and partial gilding.
The obverse shows the hand of a Ukrainian soldier holding a shield, with a child's drawing above it representing the future that is being defended. An inscription reading "35 YEARS OF FIGHTING FOR THE FUTURE" runs around the edge.
The reverse depicts the outer face of the shield, shown damaged, a symbol of the struggle for Ukraine's freedom and independence.
Presentation at parliament
NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyi and Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk attended the coin's presentation.
Pyshnyi said that when the bank was searching for an image that would most accurately capture 35 years of Ukraine's independence, it chose the shield. He said the shield had taken blows but had not broken, and had held firm, calling it a metaphor for Ukraine.
The coin was designed by artist Andriy Sahach.
Background
The National Bank of Ukraine is the country's central bank, responsible for monetary policy and currency issuance, including regular commemorative coins marking historic dates and figures. The Verkhovna Rada is Ukraine's unicameral parliament. Ukraine marks its independence from the Soviet Union each year on August 24, the anniversary of the 1991 declaration.
What's next
The coin will be available for purchase through the NBU's online numismatic store and through distributor banks. The central bank said it would announce the start of sales separately.
The release follows two other recent commemorative coins from the NBU. On June 28, the bank issued a coin marking "30 Years of the Constitution of Ukraine" to coincide with the anniversary of the country's basic law. On July 28, it introduced a new circulating commemorative coin for the Day of Honoring Those Who Died in Captivity.
