The National Bank of Ukraine has begun selling a unique gold commemorative coin with a denomination of 100 hryvnias, dedicated to the Bosporan Kingdom – one of the ancient states of the Northern Black Sea region. This coin can be purchased for a price of 159,786 hryvnias per unit, with each buyer allowed to acquire no more than four copies.
This is reported by Finway
Design and Features of the Gold Coin
The coin is made of 900 fine gold, with a net weight of 31.1 grams. The year of minting is 2010. The total mintage is 3,000 pieces, however, only 985 coins remain in stock at present. Each coin is supplied in a special case.
On the obverse of the coin, there is a small State Emblem of Ukraine, under which the year of minting is indicated, and around it, the inscription “National Bank of Ukraine” is engraved in a semicircle. The denomination of the coin is noted at the bottom. The central feature is an image of a fragment of the ruins of Panticapaeum against the backdrop of a reconstruction of the city, flanked by sphinxes on both sides of the composition.
“At the bottom is the denomination. In the center is an image of a fragment of the ruins of Panticapaeum against the backdrop of the city reconstruction, with sphinxes on the right and left,” the NBU representatives stated.
On the reverse of the coin, set against a mirrored background, there is an image of a sailing ship. Below it are dolphins and decorative meander ribbons symbolizing water. On both sides, there is stylized architecture of the ancient city. The upper part of the reverse is adorned with a relief image of a gold Panticapaean stater, and below it is the inscription “Bosporan Kingdom”.
Historical Context
The Bosporan Kingdom emerged as a union of Greek city-colonies along the shores of the Kerch Strait, with its capital in Panticapaeum. During its existence, this state regularly minted its own coins, leaving behind a unique legacy in the form of monetary signs of the ancient world.
The edge of the coin is smooth with recessed inscriptions, adding a special style and authenticity to the piece.