NBU issues gold coin "Archangel Michael" — a symbol of support for defenders and a new numismatic relic
A 20-hryvnia coin made of 900‑fine gold: what its design means, why it’s more than a souvenir, and how it’s connected to the earlier 2024 silver issue.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
December 29, 2025 · 2 min read
Gold commemorative coin: technical data and symbolism
The National Bank of Ukraine announced the issuance of a gold commemorative coin dedicated to Archistrategos Michael. The information was published by the regulator’s press service on Telegram — this is an official initiative that combines religious and military symbolism in a souvenir release scheduled for January 2026.
"During the full-scale war the image of Archangel Michael became extremely popular in Ukraine, in particular among Ukrainian defenders. After all, this saint is regarded as the protector of those who fight for justice"
— Press service of the National Bank of Ukraine
Technical parameters: denomination — 20 hryvnias, metal — gold 900 fineness, mintage — up to 10,000 pieces. Sales begin in January 2026.
Design as a message of the time
The obverse of the coin is designed against the MM‑14 pattern background (known as the "pixel") with a stylized laurel wreath — a sign of glory and victory. On the reverse — the image of Archistrategos Michael on a mirrored field and silhouettes of servicemen, helicopters and anti-tank hedgehogs. Around the rim are lines from Taras Shevchenko: "...for us and the souls of the righteous, and the strength of Archistrategos Michael".
"On the obverse, against the MM‑14 pattern background ... a stylized laurel wreath is depicted, symbolizing glory and victory"
— Press service of the National Bank of Ukraine
Context and consequences
This is not the NBU’s first numismatic gesture related to the war: at the end of 2024 the regulator issued a silver coin on the same theme (denomination 10 UAH, silver 999 fineness, mintage up to 10,000). The series confirms a trend: state commemorative releases act as a cultural marker of the time, a tool to support morale and an object of collector interest.
Practical side: the coin's denomination (20 UAH) is symbolic; the material value of the gold and collector demand make it worth significantly more than face value. For the state, such releases are a way to fix historical memory while also attracting the interest of numismatists and investors.
What next?
The coin combines religious, cultural and military codes — exactly the kinds of symbols that shape collective identity in times of crisis. What happens next will depend on demand: whether this coin becomes a daily talisman, a collectible rarity or a time marker in museum exhibitions will be decided by the market and public attention.
Source: press service of the National Bank of Ukraine (Telegram).
