On the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine Andriy Pyshnyy, together with Ukrainian boxer and undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, presented the commemorative coin titled "Undisputed". The presentation was attended by fourth and fifth year cadets of the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University.
The new coin celebrates an extraordinary event in the world sports arena: in May 2024, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed world heavyweight champion for the first time in the last quarter century by holding simultaneously four of the most prestigious belts in boxing, which provided strong motivation for every Ukrainian.
"Oleksandr Usyk’s brilliant victory has a place of honor in the history of Ukrainian sports," said Pyshnyy. "Thanks to his unconquerable strength of spirit and unbreakable faith, the whole world knows that even in the most difficult times, Ukrainians are capable of great achievements. The name of the coin reflects the achievements of Oleksandr Usyk, Ukrainian athletes, and all Ukrainians who strive for victory, and most of all – our defenders. Such events and emotions are worth preserving and passing on."
"I’m grateful for such a great honor, but I want to emphasize that this coin symbolizes all the athletes who are winning medals for our country, as well as all those who are defending Ukraine with arms in their hands," said Usyk, who joined the presentation online. "Our victories are also a reminder to the world that Ukrainians are fighting for their lives and their families."
Coin Design
Obverse: against a smooth background, is a traditional Crimean Tatar ornament that stands for the Crimean descent of Oleksandr Usyk. This pattern, which was used in the design of one of the athlete’s images in the face-off before his fight for the title of undisputed world champion, emphasizes the inextricable connection between Crimea and Ukraine.
Reverse: in the center is a stylized image of Usyk, the champion, against the backdrop of the outline of the Motherland Monument – a symbol of the invincibility and strength of the Ukrainian people. Beneath, to the left of the boxer’s outline is the legend 18.05.2024 (18 May 2024) (the day of the fight); on either side of the boxer’s outline are the legends АБСОЛЮТНИЙ and UNDISPUTED (the title awarded to the athlete).
Designer – Oleksandra Kuchynska. Engravers – Volodymyr Atamanchuk and Volodymyr Demianenko.
Sales of the new coin
This coin was issued into circulation on 1 October 2024. It has a face value of 5-hryvnias, and is made of nickel silver in special uncirculated quality. The mintage of the coin is up to 50,000 units.
This coin will be sold through the NBU’s online numismatic store, as well as through distributing banks (the list of these banks can be found on the NBU’s official website). You can find more details about the starting date of sales on the official website of the NBU’s online numismatic store and on the official websites of the distributing banks.