Ukrainian Hryvnia, the Currency of Ukraine
The currency of Ukraine is the Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH). It became the national currency in 1996. There are 100 kopiyok in 1 hryvnia.
The most frequently used banknotes are in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 hryvnias. The most commonly used coins are 1, 2, 5, and 10 hryvnias.
The Ukrainian currency got its name in honor of the old currency. The word is thought to derive from the Slavic griva (griva, meaning “mane”). It might have indicated something valuable to be worn around the neck, that was usually made of silver or gold.
Ukrainian banknotes feature a mix of historical figures, cultural landmarks, and national symbols. On the front side of the notes there are the faces of famous Ukrainians, on the other side there are places related to the names of these personalities.
The National currency is one of the symbols of the country’s independence; it can say a lot about the history and culture of the nation.
Current Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) Banknotes
1 Hryvnia
On the front side there is Volodymyr the Great (Grand Prince of Kyiv, Ruler of Kyivan Rus’ in 980–1015). On the back side there are the ruins of Chersonesus, where Prince Volodymyr was baptized. Volodymyr I’s Fortress Wall in Kyiv
2 Hryvnia
Front: Yaroslav the Wise (Grand Prince of Kyiv, known for legal reforms and cultural development).
Back: St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, which he helped establish.
5 Hryvnia
Front: Bohdan Khmelnytsky (Hetman of the Zaporozhian Host, leader of the Cossack uprising against Polish rule in 1648).
Back: The Church of St. Elijah in Subotiv and Bohdan Khmelnytsky’s monument in Kyiv.
10 Hryvnia
Front: Ivan Mazepa (Hetman of Ukraine, known for his efforts in strengthening Ukraine’s autonomy).
Back: The Holy Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
20 Hryvnia
Front: Ivan Franko (Famous Ukrainian writer, poet, and political activist).
Back: The Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet.
50 Hryvnia
Front: Mykhailo Hrushevsky (Historian, political leader, first President of the Central Rada of the Ukrainian People’s Republic in 1917).
Back: The building of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament).
100 Hryvnia
Front: Taras Shevchenko (Ukraine’s most famous poet, writer, and artist).
Back: Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University.
200 Hryvnia
Front: Lesya Ukrainka (Renowned Ukrainian poet and writer).
Back: The entrance tower of Lutsk Castle.
500 Hryvnia
Front: Hryhorii Skovoroda (Philosopher, poet, and composer of the 18th century).
Back: The building of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
Ukraine’s banknotes not only honor key historical figures but also showcase the country’s cultural heritage and significant landmarks. The
1,000 Hryvnia banknote, the highest denomination in Ukraine, features:
Front: Volodymyr Vernadsky – a famous Ukrainian scientist, philosopher, and founder of geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and radiogeology. He was also the first president of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.
Back: The Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine – a historical building in Kyiv that represents Ukraine’s achievements in science and education.
Banknotes issued in Ukraine can be viewed at the Museum of Money of the National Bank of Ukraine in Kyiv.
Answer the questions:
- What is the national currency of Ukraine?
- When did the hryvnia become Ukraine’s national currency?
- How many kopiyok are there in 1 hryvnia?
- What are the most frequently used banknotes in Ukraine?
- Which coins are most commonly used in Ukraine?
- What is the origin of the word “hryvnia”?
- What does the Ukrainian currency symbolize?
- What types of images are featured on Ukrainian banknotes?
- Who is depicted on the front side of the 1-hryvnia banknote?
- What landmark is shown on the back side of the 1-hryvnia note?
- Who is featured on the front of the 10-hryvnia banknote?
- What is shown on the back of the 20-hryvnia note?
- Which Ukrainian writer and poet appears on the 100-hryvnia banknote?
- What historical figure is on the front of the 500-hryvnia banknote?
- What building appears on the back of the 50-hryvnia banknote?
- Which famous Ukrainian scientist is depicted on the 1,000-hryvnia banknote?
- What institution is shown on the back of the 1,000-hryvnia note?
- What landmark is depicted on the back of the 200-hryvnia banknote?
- Where can banknotes issued in Ukraine be viewed?
- How do Ukraine’s banknotes reflect the country’s history and culture?
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