MODERN UKRAINIAN COINS AND MEDALS

Until the Russian Invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, Ukrainian coins were most widely collected in Ukraine itself and other European countries. But with the war having transfixed much of the world's population, interest in the country and its coinage appears to be experiencing an increase. This is especially the case for the coins of modern Ukraine, those issued since Ukraine achieved its independence from the former USSR in 1991.

Some of this interest stems from people's curiosity about this large country with a storied history they may not have known much about before, while some of it stems from a desire to help the war-torn nation in the way collectors know best – by buying coins!

Solidarity with Ukraine
Several world mints recently issued Ukraine solidarity medals, which are being issued to raise funds for humanitarian relief in Ukraine. And collectors are also doing their best to patronize Ukrainian coin sellers on eBay, which in some cases has led to new friendships and interesting conversations. And some sellers are directing part of the proceeds from sales of their Ukrainian coins to organizations that are helping people there such as Save the Children.

The French Mint released a copper-nickel medal in March that has a 34-millimeter diameter and weighs 17.7 grams and a mintage of 10,000. The medal features on its obverse a Ukrainian flag with Libertè, Egalitè e Fraternitè (the motto of the French Revolution) on the blue portion of the flag and Ukraine inscribed on the yellow part, the Eiffel Tower in the middle and Solidarite in large letters along the left side, while its reverse is the common design for other French mini-medals with an image of the mint itself surrounded by stars and the year of issue below. Sold for 10 euros, or about $11, 80% of proceeds will be sent to the Red Cross working in Ukraine.

 

Archangel Michael Bullion Series
Most collectors outside Europe are likely to be primarily familiar with one particular modern Ukrainian coin series, namely the Archangel Michael silver and gold bullion coins issued since 2011. The coin was designed by Volodymyr Taran, Oleksandr Kharuk and Serhii Kharuk. The engraving was done by Roman Chaikovskyi and Sviatoslav Ivanenko.

Michael is the patron saint of Ukraine and of its capital Kyiv. In The Bible and The Quran, he was known as the captain and leader of the heavenly hosts who protects against the Devil. He is typically portrayed as a warrior, and on the coin's reverse, he is shown holding a sword in his right hand wearing ancient attire, and sporting wings and a halo. This is surrounded by inscriptions in Ukranian that read For us and souls of righteous men, Archistratus Michael's strength.

How the war there ultimately impacts the issuance of Ukrainian collector and bullion coins, not to mention circulation issues, remains to be seen, as does how it impacts interest in and the market for Ukrainian numismatics around the world.

To read the complete article, see:
The Coin Analyst: Collecting Modern Ukrainian Coins (https://coinweek.com/world-coins/the-coin-analyst-collecting-modern-ukrainian-coins/)

 

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