Today, the Money Museum of the National Bank of Ukraine has hosted the presentation of the commemorative coins "1025th Anniversary of Christianization of Kyivan Rus" of 100, 20 and 5 hryvnia face value, which were put into circulation on 3 July 2013.

Ms. Vira Rychakivska, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, Ms. Viktoriia Suzanska, Deputy Head of the Office for Numismatic Products and Marketing of the National Bank of Ukraine, a PhD holder, Mr. Mykola Kotlyar, an associate member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Chief Research Office at the Institute of History of Ukraine, the NAS of Ukraine, honored worker of science and engineering, participated in the presentation ceremony.

The commemorative coins "1025th Anniversary of Christianization of Kyivan Rus" are devoted to the introduction of Christianity as the state religion by Prince Volodymyr the Great. It is commonly known that, according to the chronicle, the mass baptism of the Kyivan population took place in 988 at the spot where the Pochaina River fell flowing into the Dnieper River. As a result, Christianity became the dominant religion in the Kyivan Rus.

Ms. Vira Rychakivska, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, has emphasized that the National Bank of Ukraine hopes to bring public attention to the spiritual values and traditions of the Ukrainian state. The central bank has issued these commemorative coins to mark the 1025th anniversary of Christianization of Kyivan Rus.

"The baptism helped unite the territory and strengthen the state of ancient Rus’, gave impetus to the development of the economy, education, spirituality. It boosted Kyivan Rus' international standing, brought about broad prospects for developing the economic and cultural ties. With the adoption of Christianity, written language spread throughout the country. Prince Volodymyr the Great built churches, schools and libraries," said Ms. Vira Rychakivska.

Mr. Mykola Kotlyar expressed his gratitude to the NBU staff for their respectful attitude to the history of Ukraine. According to him, Christianity emerged as a world religion rather than a regional one, which gave a boost to interstate and overseas communication. The adoption of Christianity brought the Kyivan Rus closer to the European culture. It allowed the Kyivan Rus to deepen and develop its own culture. The scientist drew a parallel between present and past and expressed hope that while drawing lessons from history Ukrainians would gain a better understanding of the European traditions and values without ignoring their own spiritual values.

Ms. Viktoriia Suzanska, Deputy Head of the Office for Numismatic Products and Marketing of the National Bank of Ukraine, has said that the National Bank o0f Ukraine expects that the commemorative coins presented today will be in great demand among the public. She has noted that a rise in sales of commemorative coins can be attributed to the contracts signed between the National Bank of Ukraine and distributors selling 60% of the total mintage volume of commemorative coins, high artistic quality of Ukrainian commemorative coins and appropriate selection of commemorative coin themes.

For reference.

The coin "1025th Anniversary of Christianization of Kyivan Rus" of 100 hryvnia face value is made of gold (900 fineness), quality – “proof”, weight in fineness – 31.1 g, diameter – 32.0 mm, mintage – 1, 025 pieces. The coin edge is smooth with incised legends: Au 900 (metal and fineness), 31.1 (weight in fineness), NBU Mint mark.

The coin "1025th Anniversary of Christianization of Kyivan Rus" of 20 hryvnia face value is made of silver, quality – special uncirculated, weight in fineness – 62.2 g, diameter – 50.0 mm, mintage – 3,500 pieces. The coin edge is smooth with incised legends: Ag 925 (metal and fineness), 62.2 (weight in fineness), NBU Mint mark. The decoration element is local gilding (gold weight in fineness not less than 0.000449 g).

The coin "1025th Anniversary of Christianization of Kyivan Rus" of 5 hryvnia face value is made of German silver, quality – special uncirculated, weight –16.54 g, diameter – 35.0 mm, mintage – 30, 000 pieces. The coin edge is grooved.

Designers:

Obverse: Volodymyr Taran, Oleksandr Kharuk, Serhii Kharuk;

Reverse: Mariia Skoblikova, Oleksandr Kuzmin.

The commemorative coins are a legal tender of Ukraine and shall be accepted without any restrictions at their face values for all types of payments as well as for placing to the settlement accounts, on deposits, for letters of credit and transfers.