Ms Vira Rychakivska, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine has said that the National Bank of Ukraine has sold over 41 thousand pieces of bullion coins worth approximately UAH 98 million since bullion coins were first issued.
In the first three quarters of 2013, almost 24 thousand pieces of bullion coins amounting to a total of over UAH 45 million were sold.
"These sales figures indicate that the public has an appetite for bullion products, serving as a safe store of value and an investment instrument," stressed Ms Vira Rychakivska, adding that long-term investments in bullion coins are the most profitable.
She has noted that silver bullion coins enjoy a very strong demand from Ukrainian retail investors: "This can be explained by lower prices for silver coins, compared to those for gold coins, which makes these coins a much more affordable option for a wide range of retail investors"
In addition, Ms Vira Rychakivska has said that the National Bank of Ukraine examines international practices close-up and participates in various international exhibitions and conferences. "Exhibitions provide a platform for the National Bank of Ukraine to showcase and promote the entire range of Ukrainian numismatic products and bullion coins of Ukraine in international markets".
During 2013, the National Bank of Ukraine showcased its bullion and commemorative coins at three international coin shows: the World Money Fair (held in Berlin, Germany, from January 31 to February 3, 2013), the World's Fair of Money (held in Rosemont, USA, from August 13 to 17, 2013) and the Fourth International Coin Conference and Exhibition COINS-2013 (held in Moscow, Russia, from September 26 -28, 2013).
Ms Vira Rychakivska has noted that the NBU's participation in international exhibitions show that there has been growing interest in the Ukrainian coins around the world.
She has said that in 2013 the National Bank of Ukraine National Bank of Ukraine has entered into an agreement with Europe's largest distributor that introduces the bullions coins of Ukraine to overseas markets. Under this agreement, the National Bank of Ukraine will participate in the international numismatic program "15 best world coins" that aims to select the best silver bullion coins from around the world that will be included in the annual collection comprising 15 coins.
Under this agreement, the National Bank of Ukraine undertakes to deliver 10,000 pieces of silver bullion coins to Germany by the end of 2013. In addition, the company representatives confirmed their intention to continue cooperation with the National Bank of Ukraine in 2014.
"Foreign companies show interest in the bullion coins of Ukraine, which proves that we produce high quality products and paves the way for the National Bank of Ukraine to make further efforts in this area," said Ms Vira Rychakivska.