The National Bank of Ukraine has announced the introduction of a new commemorative coin with a denomination of 2 hryvnias, dedicated to the outstanding Ukrainian choral conductor Oleksandr Kosytsia. The sale of the coin will start on September 16, 2025.
This is reported by Finway
Main Characteristics of the New Coin
The commemorative coin is titled “150 Years Since the Birth of Oleksandr Kosytsia” and is part of the series “Outstanding Personalities of Ukraine.” Its denomination is 2 hryvnias, and the mintage is limited to a total of 50,000 copies in souvenir packaging. The coin is made of nickel silver – an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, and features a reeded edge. The artistic design was created by Volodymyr Taran, Oleksandr Kharuk, and Serhiy Kharuk, while the sculptor was Volodymyr Atamanchuk. The current cost of the coin remains unknown.
Design Features of the Commemorative Coin
The obverse of the coin features a composition that embodies the touring activities of the Ukrainian Republican Chapel under the direction of Oleksandr Kosytsia. The design includes a route with the names of the cities where the chapel performed, interspersed with silhouettes of swallows. The NBU emphasizes that the swallows symbolize spiritual flight, freedom of movement, and the spread of Ukrainian art in the world. The obverse also includes the inscription “Ukraine,” the year of minting (2025), the small State Emblem of Ukraine, the denomination with the graphic sign of the hryvnia, and the logo of the NBU Banknote and Minting Works.
The reverse of the coin features a portrait of Oleksandr Kosytsia in a tailcoat. The artists focused on the conductor’s hands, which became an important element of the design. On the wavy background of the reverse, symbolizing the spread of Ukrainian culture with the emblem of the Ukrainian People’s Republic in the center, the inscriptions “Oleksandr Kosytsia” and the years of his life – 1875 / 1944 – are placed on the left against a mirrored background.
“Oleksandr Kosytsia’s conducting style – without a baton, using only his eyes, hands, and facial expressions – was distinguished by emotionality, plasticity, and a deep understanding of folklore,” the NBU noted.