What is Ukrainian currency? Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe. The largest and capital city is Kyiv, situated on the Dnipro River. Renowned for its rich, fertile soil, the country is often called “Europe’s breadbasket“. The country’s official language is Ukrainian.
The national currency of Ukraine is the Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH). The word “hryvnia” derives from the Old Slavic term which refers to a measure of weight for gold or silver. During the Kievan Rus’ the hryvnia was a term used for a unit of currency.
Ukrainian Banknotes – Fourth Series
Currently, the fourth series of Ukrainian banknotes are in circulation. The design of the banknotes reflects the identity of the Ukrainian people and their nation. The fourth series expresses Ukrainian cultural heritage, historical milestones, and intellectual achievements. Reaffirming Ukrainian sovereignty and national pride, even more so now with recent events, these banknotes celebrate prominent Ukrainian figures and landmarks.
Design Features of the Ukrainian Currency
The fourth series of banknotes is arguably the most beautiful banknotes produced in Ukraine. Although many features on these banknotes are not only for artistic purposes but for advanced security features. These were put in place to prevent counterfeiting and ensure authenticity.
Security features on the banknotes include a watermark portrait of the historical figure which appears when held up to light. Security thread, which runs vertically across the banknote and micro printing which are only visible under magnification. Although there are many other features, these measures above make it extremely difficult to replicate.
Overview of the Ukrainian Currency
Ukrainian identity is important, even more so after independence to distance itself from its Soviet past and more recent events. Portraying historical figures on their banknotes not only inspires pride but also educates citizens. Below is an overview of the various denominations of the fourth series banknotes.
20 Hryvnias
The 20 Hryvnias features renowned writer, poet, scholar, and political activist, Ivan Franko. He is regarded as one of Ukraine’s greatest literary and cultural figures for his contributions to literature and the fight for Ukrainian national identity. On the reverse is the Lviv Opera House, located on Liberty Avenue in Lviv’s historical Old City.
50 Hryvnias
The purple banknote features Mykhailo Hrushevsky, a pivotal figure in Ukraine’s independence and the first president of the Ukrainian People’s Republic. Hrushevsky is regarded as the father of modern Ukraine, many believe his death was orchestrated by the Soviet secret police (NKVD). On the reverse is the Verkhovna Rada building, located on Constitution Square in Kyiv.
100 Hryvnias
The 100 Hryvnias features Taras Shevchenko, a poet, writer, artist, public and political figure. Shevchenko’s poetry embraces Ukrainian culture and his work still remains a cornerstone of Ukrainian identity. On the reverse of the yellow and red banknote features the Red University Building located in Kyiv.
Shevchenko also appears on the 50 ruble banknote of the neighbouring breakaway state of Pridnestrovie (Transnistria). See all our tours to Transnistria.
200 Hryvnias
The 200 Hryvnias features Lesya Ukrainka, a poet whose works include On the Wings of Songs and The Forest Song. The beautiful soft pink and purple banknote features the entrance tower of Lubart’s Castle in Lutsk.
Ukrainka’s work and memory are not only celebrated in Ukraine but also every summer in Canada at the University of Saskatchewan. Many students gather by the Ukrainka monument in to rejoice her life and work.
500 Hryvnias
The 500 Hryvnias features Hryhorii Skovoroda a poet, composer, and philosopher. The light brown banknote also features Skovoroda’s illustration of “Unequal to all equality”. On the reverse is The Kyiv Mohyla Academy’s old main building. The optically variable ink features a book with a letter and a feather.
1000 Hryvnias
The 1000 Hryvnias features Volodymyr Vernadsky, a pioneering scientist who is regarded as one of the founders of geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and radiogeology. The blue and lavender banknote features the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Get your own Ukrainian Currency
Having Shevchenko, Ukrainka, and Vernadsky feature on the Ukrainian banknotes was a deliberate choice to symbolise the country’s struggle for independence, resilience, and progress. These banknotes are a testament to the Ukrainian people’s history and culture by featuring their national heroes and landmarks.
Since our initial research tour in August 2023 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have been running discreet tours nearly every month for our returning customers. We now run summer and winter group tours to Ukraine open for everyone who is interested in learning more about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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