The set was presented by the Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine Andriy Pyshnyy and the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Robert Needham.
This set, which contains three silver commemorative coins, continues the Ukrainian Heritage series. It celebrates the world-famous Shchedryk Carol – a well-known Ukrainian national musical work, which was composed by Mykola Leontovych.
In 1922, the Ukrainian Republican Choir, led by the outstanding conductor Oleksandr Koshyts, performed the Shchedryk Carol in Carnegie Hall – the most prestigious concert venue in New York. Over time, an American conductor of Ukrainian origin, Peter J. Wilhousky, wrote an English text of the Shchedryk Carol – the Carol of the Bells, which has become one of the most popular Christmas songs worldwide.
The set was presented on 21 December 2023 at the National Bank of Ukraine.
"It’s the first time in Ukrainian numismatics that we’ve chosen a bell shape for a coin," said Pyshnyy. "The melody of the Shchedryk Carol resembles the jingling of bells, and the American version of this world-famous carol is called "The Carol of the Bells". The synergy and unity of the two cultures – Ukrainian and American – have contributed to the creation of a composition, which is now a worldwide symbol of Christmas. We’re proud of our national heritage, which strongly represents Ukrainian culture and identity around the world. We’re also proud of our strategic partnership with the United States, which has been helping Ukraine fight the invasion of tyranny and racism since the first day of the full-scale war. I’m convinced that relations between Ukraine and the United States will only get stronger. And the bell-shaped coins that combine the national colors of Ukraine and the United States, will become a symbol of the continuation of our long-term cooperation."
Needham said at the event "Standing with Ukraine means celebrating all aspects of our shared values and culture. This coin depicts a seminal moment of musical exchange and celebrates Ukraine’s unique cultural heritage. It is a beautiful testament to our two countries’ deep and abiding connection, as well as to Ukraine’s resilience and strength."
Pyshnyy presented Needham with one of the first copies of the set as a sign of respect for their common values and traditions, as well as a symbol of hope, which the multifaceted assistance of the United States helps sustain in the midst of a full-scale war.
Coin Design
All of the coins are bell-shaped and have a face value of UAH 10. They are made of silver (Ag 999) and have a fine weight of 31.1 g (each).
The obverse of the central coin depicts a nativity scene with a Christmas star – a cultural phenomenon that preserves deep historical traditions in Ukraine. The obverses of the two other coins feature compositions of angels symbolizing purity, strength, God’s help, protection, and the light of Christmas holidays. There are also lines from the Shchedryk Carol.
The reverse of the central coin shows a stylized composition of the first performance of the Shchedryk Carol by a choir conducted by Oleksandr Koshyts in 1922 at Carnegie Hall. Above the choir is a silhouette of a swallow, which is the main character of the carol. The reverses of the two other coins bear stylized colored flags of Ukraine and the United States and a composition consisting of historical religious buildings in Kyiv and New York. There is also a golden lace background with bells, symbolizing the filling of space with the magical sounds of the carol.
The coins are lavishly decorated with pad-printed (color-printed) images, local gilding (fine gold no less than 0.003 g), and stone inserts (cubic zirconia with a diameter of 1.5 mm).
The coins were designed by designers from ArtTrium Group: Volodymyr Taran, Oleksandr Kharuk and Serhii Kharuk.
Coin Sales
These sets will be sold in 2024 through the NBU’s online numismatic store and in distributing banks (UKRGASBANK JSB, RADABANK JSB, TASCOMBANK JSC, and CB PRIVATBANK JSC).
The NBU and the distributing banks will inform customers about the starting date of the sale in due course.
The set has issue numbers of up to 5,000 units.