The National Bank of Ukraine is issuing an Easter-themed pysanka coin: where and when to buy it
7 April 13:36
Ahead of Easter, the National Bank of Ukraine has put a new commemorative 10-hryvnia coin into circulation—“Easter Joy. Pysanka.” It is shaped like a pysanka, made of 999-fine silver, and dedicated to Ukrainian pysanka art—a tradition that UNESCO added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024. This was reported by the NBU press service, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
What is this coin?
The NBU’s new commemorative coin is part of the “Ukrainian Heritage” series. Its official name is “Easter Joy. Pysanka,” and its date of issue is April 6, 2026.
The coin’s face value is 10 hryvnias.
The coin is made of Ag 999 silver, with a pure precious metal weight of 31.1 grams, and is shaped like an ovoid, resembling a pysanka or an egg.
The minting quality category is special uncirculated.
Why did the NBU dedicate a coin specifically to the pysanka?
The National Bank explains that the coin is dedicated to pysanka art—one of the oldest forms of Ukrainian decorative art, which reflects the ornamental traditions of various regions of Ukraine.
The issue holds special symbolic significance because in 2024, Ukrainian pysanka art was included in UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This year, the NBU decided to draw on the traditions of Polissya—one of the oldest ethnographic regions of Ukraine. It is precisely Polissya motifs that form the basis of the design of the new commemorative coin.
What the coin looks like
The main feature of this new release is its unconventional shape. It is not a round coin, but an item shaped like a pysanka. This design choice reinforces the Easter symbolism while making the release stand out to collectors.
The coin is decorated with enamel and patina. On the obverse, the design is divided into four sectors by lines forming a cross—a sacred symbol of the unity of heaven and earth. Each sector features ornaments characteristic of different parts of Polissya.
What ornaments are depicted on the obverse
On the obverse of the coin, the NBU used ornaments characteristic of different parts of Polissya:
- Rivne region — waves, a grid, and rakes
- Volyn — a fragment of a star, dots, rakes, the sun, and waves
- Zhytomyr region — rakes and the sun
- Kyiv region — spirals and a grid
The regulator explains that each of these ornamental elements has deep symbolic meaning: the sun and star embody light, life-giving energy, development, and well-being. Waves symbolize water, longevity, and fertility. Spirals are a sign of infinity, protection from evil spirits, and the eternal flow of life. The grid represents the connection between worlds. The rakes are an archaic symbol of rain. And the dots are grains, signifying the birth of new life and the continuation of the family line.
The reverse of the coin features a pysanka decorated with a traditional ornament from the Chernihiv region (Polissya)—the ruza (star). It symbolizes the sun, fire, and light, which embody life, prosperity, energy, and the spring awakening of nature. The symbolism of the reverse design is complemented by colors: red—a symbol of strength, health, and energy, traditionally considered a powerful talisman; black—a symbol of the earth, fertility, ancestral memory, and protection.
The design of the new commemorative coin was created by Oleksandra Kuchynska.
What is the mintage of the coin?
The announced mintage of the coin is up to 15,000 pieces. At the same time, the NBU catalog lists the parameter “15000/7500” for this issue, meaning the announced and actual mintage.
For the general public, this means that the coin will have a limited mintage and is likely to be of interest not only as a commemorative numismatic item but also as a collector’s piece. This is a logical conclusion given the limited mintage.
Where and when to buy
The coin can be purchased at the NBU’s online numismatic store. Announcements regarding the launch of sales indicate that sales will begin on April 7, 2026.
The coin will also be sold by distributor banks.
Since this is a commemorative silver issue with a limited mintage, such coins typically attract the attention of collectors and enthusiasts of themed Easter releases.
What makes this coin special
The NBU’s new issue stands out for several reasons:
- the shape of a pysanka, rather than a traditional circle;
- 999-fine silver;
- decorated with enamel and patina;
- a reference to the traditions of Polissya;
- a connection to UNESCO’s recognition of pysanka art.
In fact, this is not just a commemorative coin for the holiday, but a cultural gesture through which the NBU showcases Ukrainian tradition as part of world heritage. This conclusion is based on the issue’s theme and official description.
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