New Commemorative Coins Enter Circulation
Starting May 19, 2026, the National Bank of Ukraine will release two new commemorative coins: 'Executed Renaissance. Ivan Padalka' and 'Executed Renaissance. Mykola (Mike) Johansen.' Each coin has a face value of 5 hryvnias, is struck in nickel silver, and features color printing. The mintage for each is capped at 75,000 pieces. Sales will begin through the NBU’s online numismatics store.
Coin Design Details
The reverse of the 'Ivan Padalka' coin showcases a stylized portrait of the artist. Padalka was a monumental painter, graphic artist, and teacher, and a student of Mykhailo Boichuk. He lived in Kharkiv’s famous 'Slovo' building and created the engraving 'Construction of the Derzhprom Building in Kharkiv' in 1927. His works were exhibited internationally in:
- Denmark
- Italy
- Germany
- Norway
- Poland
- Switzerland
- France
- Japan
including the 1928 Venice Biennale. In 1937, both Ivan Padalka and Mykola Johansen were repressed and executed by the Soviet regime.
The reverse of the 'Mykola Johansen' coin features a stylized portrait of the writer. Johansen was a poet, novelist, translator, linguist, screenwriter, and critic. He co-founded the literary groups 'Hart,' 'VAPLITE,' and the 'Techno-Art Group A,' and served as co-editor of the 'Literary Fair' almanac. His notable works include the poetry collections 'D'hori' and 'Yasen,' as well as the screenplay for the film 'Zvenyhora.'
Both coins share a common obverse bearing the word 'SLOVO' (Word). Each coin is made of nickel silver with color printing, has a face value of 5 hryvnias, and is limited to 75,000 pieces in souvenir packaging. Sales through the NBU’s online numismatic store commence on May 19, 2026.
This release underscores the National Bank of Ukraine’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and honoring prominent Ukrainian artists who fell victim to political repression. Beyond serving as collectibles, these coins play a vital role in promoting Ukraine’s history and culture, highlighting the contributions of Ivan Padalka and Mykola Johansen to Ukrainian art and literature. For numismatists and history enthusiasts, acquiring these coins offers a meaningful way to connect with Ukraine’s past.