Ukrainian entries in the Coin of the Year 2026 shortlist
The Coin of the Year competition, one of the world's leading numismatic awards, has revealed the 100 best coins issued in 2025. This year's edition, run by World Coin News with backing from The Journal of East Asian Numismatics, includes two Ukrainian commemorative coins among its top entries.
The 5-hryvnia piece "Trymaimo strii!" ("Hold the line!"), struck in nickel silver, earned a spot in the Most Inspirational Coin category. A 10-hryvnia silver coin titled "The World of Haute Couture. Liubov Panchenko" was shortlisted in the Most Artistic Coin category. Final winners will be announced on August 27 at the awards ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Both coins come from the design studio of Ukrainian artist Andriy Sahach. On the obverse of "Trymaimo strii!", Ukrainian defenders appear inside a unity circle, with defense lines and military action arrows that visually echo a trident. The reverse shows soldiers moving forward, the words "TRYMAIMO STRII," stylized military vehicles, and silhouettes of civilians.
For the coin paying tribute to Liubov Panchenko, the obverse offers a stylized portrait of the artist, set against elements of her artwork "Buchanska vesna" ("Buchan Spring"), alongside the small Ukrainian state emblem, the mint year 2025, the denomination 10, and the hryvnia symbol. The reverse displays a fragment of "Buchanska vesna" with a pad-printed ornamental accent.
Separately, on February 24, the National Bank of Ukraine issued three circulation commemorative coins under the series "We Are Strong. We Are Together," dedicated to Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv region, and Kherson region. And starting February 25, 2026, the Bank put upgraded 200-hryvnia notes into cash circulation, bearing the motto "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes!"
Seeing Ukrainian coins recognized internationally speaks not only to artistic mastery but also to the enduring cultural voice of Ukraine in the face of today's challenges.
Taking part in Coin of the Year is a powerful way to raise awareness of Ukrainian numismatics and could deepen global appreciation for the country's cultural output. With the awards set for August 27, the outcome may become a milestone for Ukraine and the worldwide coin-collecting community alike, highlighting the nation's strength and inventiveness during a period of profound change.