Ukraine: Patron Saint Archangel Michael and Soldiers Features on New Silver Premium Uncirculated Collector Coin

First minted in 2011, the coins featuring Archangel Michael were released as bullion type investment coins in gold and silver and in weights ranging from one ounce in silver and from 1/10^th up to one ounce in gold. The overall design is dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, the supreme Angel in Christianity and greatly revered in Ukraine. According to belief within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Saint Michael the Archangel (Архангел Михаїл) was instrumental in the struggle against Satan - hence, the name Arkhystratyh Mykhail, meaning the Supreme Commander Michael. He was believed to have taken thunder away from Satan and handed it over to Saint Elijah who in Ukrainian folk mythology took on certain traits of Perun, the ancient god of thunder. Ukrainians later adopted Saint Michael as the patron saint of hunters and also protector of the city of Kyiv.

For 2024, the obverse side depicts a standing image of the Taxiarch or Brigadier, Archangel Michael, patron saint of Ukraine. Also included in the design as a reminder of the current battle for defence of the nation are stylised silhouettes of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the right and left of the central figure.

Above head are images of helicopters and below are anti-tank barriers which are more commonly known as ‘hedgehogs’. Along the lower rim is the stylised inscription ЗА НАС І ДУШІ ПРАВЕДНИХ, І СИЛА АРХІСТРАТИГА МИХАЇЛА (for us and the souls of the righteous and the power of Archangel Michael) which is in reference to a quote from the Ukrainian author Taras Shevchenko and his poem entitled Haidamacy, published in 1841. The added elements to the design emphasise Ukraine’s current struggle fighting for its sovereignty and continued independence. The reverse side features the current logo of the National Bank which includes the text НацЖональний Банк України 2024. The logo is centred and surrounded with elements of design such as the MM-14 camouflage pattern used on the uniform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine which is also known as Ukrainian Pixel. Superimposed over the camouflage is a stylised contemporary laurel wreath, symbolising glory and victory which encircles the Bank’s logo. Above the logo and separating the branches of the wreath is a small coat of arms of Ukraine and just below is the text УКРАЇНА (Ukraine). Below the logo is the coins’ denomination 10₴.

Available from the 28^th December, each coin is encapsulated and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the online e-webshop of the National Bank of Ukraine.