From Rus' Ingots to Modern Hryvnia: How Ukrainian Money Has Changed

On the YouTube channel "Plich-o-plich: United Communities" a new episode of the historical vlog featuring Kozak Syromakha has been released. This is a series of videos that tells the history of Ukraine without myths and embellishments, showing it as it really is.

In this episode, Kozak Syromakha discusses the origin and development of Ukrainian currency - from the ingots of Kievan Rus' to modern banknotes and coins. He explains why the hryvnia is not a 20th-century invention, but a continuation of an old tradition, describes how the hryvnia originates from a neck ornament that regulated trade in princely Kyiv, and also explains why the ruble has always been a part of the hryvnia, rather than a separate currency.

Moreover, the video shows what the hryvnias from Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Novgorod looked like, which were traded in markets, and also discusses what could be purchased for an old hryvnia and how inflation affected it even in the 11th century.

From Princely Coins to Modern Hryvnia

This episode also covers princely coins, such as the silver coins of Vladimir the Great - rewards for warriors that disappeared after the Mongol invasion. It examines how thalers and ducats were used in the Cossack state and why Muscovites had to implement 'efimki with signs' for the Cossacks to agree with them.

Additionally, a separate part of the episode is dedicated to the period of the Ukrainian Revolution, telling how the Central Rada revived the hryvnia and created its own monetary system. It also shows how artist Georgiy Narbut created unique banknotes in the style of Ukrainian baroque featuring the trident, ornaments, and symbols of statehood. Finally, it explains why preserving such banknotes during Soviet times could result in punishment.

The video reveals the history of Ukrainian money, from distant past to modern currency units, which tells us about the economic and cultural development of our country.