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NATIONS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION

A selection of coins from nations that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union
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FIRST SILVER TRAM OF MEDIEVAL ARMENIA

Armenia, silver Tram of Levon I, 1198-1219About 1198 Levon I (also called Leo II, Leon II and Levon the Magnificant) was crowned as the first king of Cilcian Armenia.  He had ruled the territory as Lord of Armenia since 1187, after his brother was captured by Bohemond III of Antioch and retired to a monastery. As king he had the privilege of issuing the first Armenian coins since ancient times.  He established a powerful Christian kingdom and was a strong supporter of the Third Crusade. He had numerous intrigues and conflicts with Bohemond III of Antioch, at one point taking him and his family prisoner after inviting them to castle. He was later involved in the War of the Antiochene Succession after Bohemond's death.  He joined Richard the Lion Heart in the conquest of Cyprus and was actively involved in the numerous political plots and intrigues of the Crusader kingdoms and neighboring kingdoms.  These crude silver Trams are approximately 22mm in diameter.  One side pictures picture King Levon seated upon his throne.  The reverse shows a lion and leopard with a cross.  It is an historic Armenian coin with a close connection to the Crusades. 
Item AM-LEVON ARMENIA SILVER TRAM OF LEVON I 1198-1219 F-VF-crude $65.00



ARMENIA'S FIRST MODERN COINS  

Armenia 7 coin set, 10 Luma - 10 Drams 1994With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Armenia again emerged as an independent nation after centuries of foreign domination.  In 1994 it issued its first coins as an independent nation in over 500 years!   We are pleased to offer the full set of seven set coins. Included are the 10, 20, 50 Luma, 1, 3, 5, and 10 Dram. The coins are struck in aluminum and are Uncirculated.
Item S-AM-SET94 ARMENIA 1994 7 COIN SET 10 LUMA - 10 DRAM KM51-58 UNC. $6.00



AZERBAIJAN COIN SET  Restocked

Azerbaijan 2006 coin setIn 2006 Azerbaijan revalued their currency on a 5000 to 1 basis.  The new currency included a series of six undated coins released in 2006. Included is a bi-metallic 50 Qapik featuring oil derrick. The 20 Qapik shows a spiral staircase, the 10 Qapik shows a medieval helmet.  The 5 Qapik pictures the Maiden Tower in Baku. the 3 Qapik a quill pen and ancient texts, the 1 Qapik features traditional  musical instruments. The obverse of each coin has a map of Azerbaijan.
Item S-AZ-SET6 AZERBAIJAN 6 COIN SET 1 - 50 QAPIK (2006) KM39-44 UNC. $12.50



NEWESTONIA’S BRIEF PERIOD OF INDEPENDENCE

Estonia 2 Senti 1934 KM15After being controlled by outside powers for centuries, Estonia finally achieved independence from Russia in 1920. The independence was to be short-lived.  The Soviet Union took over Estonia in 1940, at the start of World War II.  It did not regain its independence until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Estonia minted the 2 Senti coin only a single year in 1934.  The bronze coin features the three Estonia lions on one side and the denomination on the other.
Item EE-2S-34 ESTONIA 2 SENTI 1934 KM15 VF-XF $6.00



ESTONIA CELEBRATES THE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

Estonia 5 Krooni 1993 75th Anniversary of Independence KM29Estonia achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.  In 1993 it issued this circulating 5 Krooni coin commemorating the 75th anniversary of their independence. How can this be?  The coin commemorates the 75th anniversary of the first time they achieved independence.  Estonia declared independence from Russia in 1918.  In 1940 the Soviet Union invaded Estonia and incorporated it into the Soviet Union.  It did not regain its independence until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The 26.2mm Nordic Gold (aluminum-bronze) coin features a young deer, representing the newly reborn nation.  The Estonian “3 lions” coat of arms and the date is on the reverse. 
Item EE-5KR ESTONIA 5 KROONI 1993 KM29 UNC. $5.00



GEORGIA COIN SETS  

Georgia 1993 coin setGeorgia 2006 coin set: 50 Thetri, 1 & 2 Lari KM89-91
The Republic of Georgia, a small nation, formerly part or the U.S.S.R., is located on the Black Sea nestled between Russia and Turkey.   Georgia is an ancient nation. It recently celebrated it's 3000th Anniversary! Throughout its history it has alternated between periods of independence and dominance by other nations, including the Romans, Persians, Turks, Mongols and Russians.  It regained its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.  In 1993 Georgia issued its first modern coins.  The coins reflect the nations ancient heritage.   A deer is on the 20 Thetri.  A medieval icon of a priest  riding a lion is on the 10 Thetri. A gold lion statuette dating from the 2nd century BC is on the 5 Thetri. An ancient stylized peacock, symbolizing immortality and resurrection  is on the 2 Thetri. Grapes, taken from the facade of a medieval cathedral are on the 1 Thetri.  The five lower denomination coins are struck in Stainless Steel. The reverse of all six coins features an ancient sun symbol.  In 2006 three new higher denomination coins were released:  a  50 Thetri, 1 Lari and a bimetallic 2 Lari.  The coins all feature the denomination on one side and the Georgia arms and the date on the other.
Item S-GE-SET5 GEORGIA 5 COIN SET 1 - 20 THETRI 1993 KM76-81 UNC. $6.00
Item GE-SET3 GEORGIA 3 COIN SET 50 THETRI - 2 LARI,  KM89,90 & 94 UNC. OUT



BEAR FROM KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan 50 Tenge coin 2008 depictingTien Shan Brown Bear KM86
Kazakhstan issued an attractive series of coins featuring endangered native wildlife.  The 31mm copper-nickel coins are denominated 50 Tenge. Each year a different critter was featured on the reverse of the coin. The Kazakstan national is emblem on the obverse.   The coins have a mintage of only 50,000 each.    A Tien Shan Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos Isabellinus) is on the 2008 coin. .  
Item KZ-BEAR08 KAZAKHSTAN 50 TENGE 2008 BEAR KM86 BU $10.00



PRE-EURO LATVIA COIN SET 

Latvia pre-euro coin set: 1 Santims - bi-metallic 2 Lati
This eight coin set includes the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Santimu and 1 Lats bi-metallic 2 Lati dating from 1999 to 2013.  All coins are Uncirculated and feature the Latvian arms on the obverse.  The 2 Lati depicts a cow.  A Salmon is on the 1 Lats.  Three grain sprigs are on the 50 Santimu.  The other denominations feature the denomination on the reverse.  On January 1, 2014 Latvia switched to the Euro and the coins were quickly withdrawn from circulation.
Item S-LV-SET8 LATVIA 8 COIN SET 1 SANTIMS - 2 LATI,  1999-2013 UNC. $19.50



ANT COIN FROM LATVIA

Latvia 1 Lats 2003 depicts an ant, KM58Latvia has put some unusual critters on their circulating 1 Lats coins.  The 2003 issue featured an ant. It has a mintage of 250,000. It  features the Latvian coat of arms and date on the obverse.  The copper-nickel coin is 21.75mm in diameter. The coins were withdrawn from circulation and melted after Latvia joined the Euro in 2014.
Item LV-ANT03 LATVIA 1 LATS 2003 ANT KM58 UNC. $8.00



EARLY DATED SILVER COIN OF POLAND-LITHUANIA

Poland - Lithuania silver 1/2 Grossus (Groschen) of Sigismund II AugustusUntil the 1600's most nations did not put dates on coins. These silver 1/2 Grossus (Groschen) coins of Sigismund II Augustus from the 1500's are some of the earliest affordable coins bearing an AD date.  Sigismund was both the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania.  In 1569 he formally united the two countries with the Treaty of Lublin to form the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.  His coins reflect this dual nationality.  One side features his titles as Grand Duke of Lithuania, and Vytas, the White Knight, which is the national symbol of Lithuania.  Below Vytas is the date.  The other side features the Polish Eagle and his titles as King of Poland.  The 19mm silver coins date from 1547 to 1572.  In 1572 Sigsmund died childless, despite having three wives (two of which were first cousins) and carrying on affairs with "two of the most beautiful of his countrywomen".  He was the last of the powerful Jagiellonian dynasty controlled much of central Europe for almost 200 years.
Item PL-LT POLAND-LITHUANIA 1/2 GROSSUS, SIGISMUND II AUGUSTUS 1547-1572 F-VF $29.75



LITHUANIAN 2012 BIMETALLICS HONOR RESORT TOWNS 

Lithuania set of 4 2 Litai Resort Town circulating commemorative coinsCommon obverse to Lithuania 2 Litai features Vytas the white knight.
In 2012 Lithuania released four circulating commemorative coins honoring four of their resort towns: Birstonas, Druskininkai, Neringa and Palanga.  Each coin depicts the town’s arms on one side and features Vytas, the white knight, who is Lithuania’s national emblem.  Birstonas is a town of about 3000 people that is noted for its mineral water. Druskininkai is a spa town in the southern part of the country.  While Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union it would attract some 400,000 visitors a year from the Soviet Union.  With the collapse of the Soviet Union it has faced difficult economic times due to the lack of Soviet tourists.  Neringa is a municipality on the Baltic Sea separated from the rest of Lithuania by the Curonian Lagoon.  It is accessible from Lithuania only by ferry.  Though it has a population of less than 3000, it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every summer.   Palanga is a popular seaside resort town on the Baltic Sea with a population of about 18,000.    Lithuania hoped the coins will boost tourism in the towns by spreading knowledge of the resorts around the world.  I must admit, until now, I did not know of any resorts in Lithuania.   The bi-metallic coins are 25mm in diameter and have a mintage of 100,000 each.
Item LT-SET12 LITHUANIA SET OF 4 RESORT TOWN 2 LITAI COINS, 2012 KM183.1-KM186.1 UNC. $9.75




LITHUANIA'S PRE-EURO COINS  

Lithuania coin set
The Litas was introduced in 1991, after Lithuania gained independence from the Soviet Union.  This 9 coin set includes the bi-metallic 5 and 2 Litas, the copper-nickel 1 Litas, the nickel-bras 50, 20 and 10 Centu and the aluminum 1, 2 and 5 Centai were issued only a single year: 1991. All nine coins feature Vytas, the white knight, on the obverse and the denomination on the reverse.  Vytas has been the Lithuanian state emblem since the 14th century.  The coins were withdrawn from circulation after Lithuania switched to the Euro on January 1, 2015.
Item S-LT-SET9 LITHUANIA 9 COIN SET 1 CENTAS - 5 LITAI, 1991-2012 BU out



LITHUANIA 2021 ZUVINTAS BIOSPHERE RESERVE 2 EURO

Lithuania 2 Euros 2021 Zuvintas BiosphereThe Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve is a a UNESCO site that is the home of thousands of species of birds, animals and plants. New species are being discovered every year.   It is centered around Zuvintas Lake, a large, shallow lake that is only a small remnant of the former post-glacial lake.  The coin depicts a Bittern trying to eat a Fire-bellied toad.  A Water Reed Warbler clings to a reed.  In the distance a number of cranes are flying with a mute swan. 
Item LT-2E21-ZUVINTAS LITHUANIA 2 EURO 2021 ZUVINTAS BIOSPHERE, UNC. $6.00



LITHUANIA 2 EURO COMMEMORATES BASKETBALL

Lithuania 2 Euro 2022 basketballBasketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania.  This 2022 dated 2 Euro commemorates the 100th Anniversary of basketball in Lithuania.  The design features a basketball court superimposed on a map of Lithuania and the dates 1922 – 2022.  Though basketball was first played by women in Lithuania in 1919, the first official game was played by men on April 23, 1922.  The sport gained widespread popularity after Lithuania won the European championship in 1937. 
Item LT-2E22-BASKETBALL LITHUANIA 2 EURO 2022 BASKETBALL UNC. $6.00



LITHUANIA SHOWS SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Lithuania 2 Euro 2023 Together with UkraineLithuania issued this 2023 2 Euro to show support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion. The coin features a sunflower, the emblematic plant of Ukraine. The petals of the flower are in the shape of human figures holding hands. The legend "Kartu su Ukraina" means "Together with Ukraine".  
LT-2E23-UKRAINE LITHUANIA 2 EURO 2023 UKRAINE UNC. $6.00




BI-METALLIC MOLDOVA 10 LEI COMMEMORATIVES

Moldova commemorative 10 Lei: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021Moldova started an annual series of circulating bi-metallic 10 Lei coins in 2018.  The 2018 issue commemorates the 25th anniversary of the national currency - the Leu, which translates as lion.  The coin features a lion, the Moldova national arms and the emblem of the national bank.  The 2019 issue commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the adoption of the Latin alphabet (as opposed the Cyrillic alphabet used in Russia) and the state language laws.  The obverse depicts the emblem of the national language that features the mythological Charmed Bird.  The reverse includes the Latin alphabet in lower case letters.  The 2020 issue commemorates the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the State flag.  The 2021 issue commemorates the 30th anniversary of the National Bank. The design includes the national arms, the national bank emblem and the number '30'.  The reverses of all the coins bear the denomination.  At the top is a latent image that changes from R to M (for "Republica Moldova") as the coin is shifted.  "BNM", the initials of the national bank, is micro-engraved on the surface of the "1". 
Item MD-10L18 MOLDOVA 10 LEI 2018 25th ANNIVERSARY OF CURRENCY, KM157 BU. out
Item MD-10L19 MOLDOVA 10 LEI 2019 30th ANNIVERSARY OF ALPHABET & LANGUAGE LAWS, KM171 BU $4.00
Item MD-10L20 MOLDOVA 10 LEI 2020 30th ANNIVERSARY OF STATE FLAG, KM186 BU $4.00
Item MD-10L21 MOLDOVA 10 LEI 2021 39th ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL BANK, KM196 BU OUT



NEWWILDLIFE COINS OF SOUTH OSSETIA


South Ossetia 8 coin set, 1 Kopeck - 10 Rubles, 2013Common obverse of South Ossetia coins depicts coat-of-arms
The nation of Georgia declared its independence in 1991 upon the collapse of the Soviet Union.  Shortly after that  South Ossetia declared their independence from Georgia, with the help of Russia.  Georgia and Russia went to war over the region in 2008.  Georgia was swiftly defeated and the region now has de-facto independence, though it is not widely recognized outside of Russia.   The tiny region is heavily dependent upon neighboring Russia and uses Russian currency.  This unofficial 2013 eight-coin set for South Ossetia includes a bimetallic 10, 5 and 2 Rubles, nickel-plated steel 1 Ruble, 50 and 10 Kopecks and copper-plated steel 5 and 1 Kopeck.  The obverse features the regions arms and the date. The reverse of each coin depicts a different native animal. 
Item OSSETIA SOUTH OSSETIA 8 COIN SET, 1 KOPECK - 10 RUBLES 2013, UNC. $39.00


THE DEMISE OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Nagorno-Karabakh 6 coin set: 50 Luma - 5 Dram 2004 KM6-11Nagorno 2 Dram banknote 2004 P901Nagorno 10 Dram banknote 2004 P902
Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as the Republic of Artsakh, was a Christian Armenian enclave within Muslim Azerbaijan.  It is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.  With the backing of Armenia, it declared itself independent in 1992.  Russia helped maintain its de facto independence - until Azerbaijan forces took over the territory in September 2023.  Russia was tied up with its invasion of Ukraine so was unable to protect Nagorno-Karabakh.  Most of the population fled to Armenia and the republic was officially dissolved.  This attractive six-coin set of Nagorno-Karabakh is dated 2004 and features native wildlife and cultural icons.  The two aluminum 50 Luma coins feature a horse and a leaping antelope.  The three aluminum 1 Luma depicts a wildcat, a pheasant and St. Gregory the Illuminator, the nation's Patron Saint.  The aluminum-bronze 5 Dram coins features the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.  The arms of Nagorno-Karabakh is on the reverse of the coins.  Nagorno-Karabakh issued only two banknotes: a 2 Dram and a 10 Dram note dated 2004.  The front of the red 2 Dram includes the Gandzasar Cathedral and St. Gregory the Illuminator.  The back includes an historic crucifix and an picture of St. John baptizing Jesus that is in the Cathedral.  The front of the green 10 Dram includes Jesus holding the gospel and the Dadivank Monastery.  The back pictures the Hudaferin bridge, a wine barrel and a Karabakh carpet.  
Item S-NAG-SET6 NAGORNO-KARABAKH 6 COIN SET, 2004 KM6-11 UNC. $7.50
Item PM-NAG-SET2 NAGORNO-KARABAKH 2 NOTE SET 2 & 10 DRAMS, 2004 P901-902 UNC. $5.00



TRANSNISTRIA ISSUES WORLD'S FIRST CIRCULATING PLASTIC COINS  

Transdniestra plastic composite coins   Backs of Transdniestra plastic composite coins
In August 2014 Transnistria (Trans-dniester, Transdniestra, etc.)  released the first circulating plastic coins issued by a national government.  Each of the four composite plastic coins is a different color and a different shape.    The coins issued are the round yellow-brown 1 Ruble depicting General Alexander Suvorov.  The square green 3 Rubles portrays F. P. De Volan.  The blue 5 Rubles is five-sided and depicts Count Pyotr Rumyantsev.  Russian Empress Catherine the Great is on the six-sided pink 10 Rubles. The logo of the Trans-Dniester Republican Bank and the date is repeated across the reverse of each of the coins.  The coins are 26mm to 28mm in diameter luminance when exposed to infrared or ultraviolet rays. It is an interesting and highly unusual coin set.
Item TRNS-PLASTIC TRANSDNIESTRA SET OF 4 COMPOSITE PLASTIC COINS, 1 - 10 RUBLES 2014 UNC. $6.00


BI-METALLIC OF MOLDAVIAN REPUBLIC OF DNIESTR FEATURES POPE JOHN PAUL II 

Transdniestra bi-metallic 100 Rubles picturing Pope John Paul IIThis unofficial bi-metallic 100 Ruble coin picturing Pope John Paul II was issued for The Moldavian Republic of Dniestr, also known as Transniestria or Transdniestra. The national arm featuring a hammer and sickle and a star is on the back of the 2011 dated coin.  The small, communist state bordering the Dniester river declared independence from Moldova in 1990.  Though its independence is not widely recognized, it operates as a sovereign nation.  The 26mm coin has a mintage of only 2500 pieces and is Uncirculated.
Item TNS-100R MOLDAVIAN REPUBLIC OF DNIESTR 100 ROUBLES 2011 POPE JOHN PAUL II, UNC. $9.75




UKRAINE COIN SET   

Ukraine coin set
This set includes the seven denominations that Ukraine has issued for its regular circulation coinage.  Included is the 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 Kopiyok and 1 Hryvnia dating from 1992 to 2003. One side of the coin has the denomination.  the other features the Ukraine coat-of-arms.  The trident insignia on the coat of arms dates back to Volodymyr the Great who as the Grand Prince of Kiev from 980 to 1015.
Item S-UA-SET7 UKRAINE 7 COIN SET, 1 KOPIYKA - 1 HRYVNIA  1992-2003 XF-UNC. $6.00



UKRAINE HONORS POETESS, HISTORIAN

UKRAINE 200,000 KARBOVANTSIV 1996 LESYA UKRAINKA KM17UKRAINE 200,000 UKRAINE 200,000 KARBOVANTSIV 1996 MYKHAILO HRUSHEVSKY KM27
Ukraine honored a poetess and a historian as national heroes on these 1996 200,000 Karbovantsiv coins.  The coins portray the national hero and their birth and death years on the reverse.  The obverse features the Ukraine national emblem.  The 33mm copper-nickel coins are Proof-Like.  Lesya Ukrainka was a female poet, playwright and activist.  She was born as Larysa Petrivna Kosach-Kvitka in 1871.  She published her first poems at age 13, but as Ukrainian language publications were forbidden in the Russian Empire she used the pseudonym Lesya Ukrainka.  She became a gifted writer that knew 10 languages.  Her works often focused on Ukraine's freedom and independence. Her coin has a mintage of 100,000 pieces.  Mykhailo Hrushevsky was a Ukrainian historian who served  as head of the Central Rada (Ukraine's 1917–1918 revolutionary parliament) during its brief existence from March 1917 until April 1918. The Rada House (now the Kiev City Teacher's House) is depicted behind his portrait on the coin.  His extensive historical works emphasized the continuity in Ukrainian history from ancient times to the present.  He stressed the role of the "popular masses" and the popular revolts against the foreign nations that ruled Ukraine in his works. 
Item UA-UKRAINKA UKRAINE 200,000 KARBOVANTSIV 1996 LESYA UKRAINKA KM17 PROOF-LIKE $8.00
Item UA-HRUSHEVSKY UKRAINE 200,000 KARBOVANTSIV 1996 MYKHAILO HRUSHEVSKY KM27 PROOF-LIKE $8.00



UKRAINE WILDLIFE COINS

Ukraine 2 Hryvni 2000 coin depicting Freshwater crab KM99Ukraine 2 Hryvni 2003 coin depicting European Bison KM167Ukraine 2 Hryvni 2005 coin depicting Sandy Mole Rat KM357 Ukraine 2 Hryvni 2005 coin depicting Bush Katydid Grasshopper KM391Commom obverse of Ukraine 2 Hryvni wildlife coins
Endangered native wildlife are featured on these attractive 2 Hryvni coins of Ukraine.  The 31mm coins are struck in a nickel alloy.  The obverses of the coins feature a wreath of flora and fauna, the national emblem, denomination and date.
Item UA-CRAB00 UKRAINE 2 HRYVNI 2000 FRESHWATER CRAB KM99 BU $15.00
Item UA-BISON03 UKRAINE 2 HRYVNI 2003 EUROPEAN BISON KM167 BU $9.00
Item UA-MOLE05 UKRAINE 2 HRYVNI 2005 SANDY MOLE RAT KM357 BU $7.00
Item UA-GHOP06 UKRAINE 2 HRYVNI BUSH KATYDID GRASSHOPPER KM391 BU $7.00



 

UKRAINE 2012 EUROPEAN SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP COIN  

Ukraine 1 Hryvnia Euro2012 Soccer coin KM668Ukraine and Poland jointly hosted the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship (also called EURO 2012).  Ukraine issued this circulating commemorative 2012 1 Hryvnia honoring the event.  National soccer teams from 24 European nations will be competing in the event, which took place in June 2012.  The reverse of the 26mm aluminum-bronze coin features the EURO 2012 logo, which features flowers and a soccer ball.   The denomination, date and country name are on the obverse.
Item UA-EURO12 UKRAINE 1 HRYVNIA UEFA 2012 SOCCER KM668 UNC.  $3.00




CURRENT RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR HAS ROOTS IN 10th CENTURY VIKINGS

Ukraine 1 Hryvenia coin 2006 depicting Volodymyr the GreatUkraine 1 & 2 Hryvni banknotes 2013-2014The roots of Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine can be traced back to a Viking who lived over 1000 years ago.   In Russia he is called Vladimir the Great.  In Ukraine he is known Volodymyr the Great.  Ironically both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy share his name.  A statue of Vladimir the Great (his name in Russian) was erected next to the Kremlin by Vladimir Putin in 2016.  There is also a statue of Volodymyr (his name in Ukrainian) in Kyiv.  Volodymyr was of Viking descent and Prince of Novgorod.  After the death of his father, who was the Grand Prince of Kiev, he was forced flee to Scandinavia when war broke out between his brothers.  He gathered an army of Vikings and returned to defeat his only remaining brother in order regain Novgorod and become Grand Prince of Kiev.  By 980 he ruled much of what is now Ukraine, Belarus and western Russia, stretching up of the Baltic Sea.  He was initially a follower of Slavic Paganism and was said to have many wives and 800 concubines.  He decided that a monotheistic religion would strengthen his control over his realm.   In making a decision as to what religion he should choose he rejected Islam due to its prohibition of alcoholic beverages and pork.  He remarked "Drinking is the joy of all Rus'. We cannot exist without that pleasure."  He rejected Judaism as he saw their loss of Jerusalem as evidence they were abandoned by God.   His envoys to Byzantium were so impressed with the church and liturgy that they reported "We no longer knew whether we were in heaven or on earth" Ukraine 1 & 2 Hryvni coins 2018and "such beauty, and we know not how to tell of it."  Based on these reports, in 988 he converted to Christianity and Christianized Kievan Rus.  Ukrainians see him as founder of an independent Ukrainian nation.  Russia considers him to be the founder of the first Russian Empire which included Ukraine.  Both consider him a saint for bringing Christianity to realm. Upon his death in 1015, his son Yaroslav engaged in a series of complicated and bloody battles and intrigues against his own brothers before consolidating his power.  He codified legal customs of the Rus and was a patron of learning, books and culture, hence he was known as "the wise".   Under Yaroslav, Kievan Rus reached its cultural zenith and the height of its military power. He is considered a hero in both Russia and Ukraine.  The 2004 and 2006 Ukrainian 1 Hryvnia coin depicts Volodymyr the Great holding a cross and a model of St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev.  The reverse of the 26mm aluminum-bronze coin has the denomination.  Volydymyr is also depicted on the Ukraine 2014 1 Hryvnia banknote.  The back depicts Kiev as it was in Volodymyr's time along with an eagle, cross, mace ax and sword.   The front of the 2013 2 Hryvni note depicts Yaroslav the Wise and a coin of his depicting the tryzub (trident), which is now the national emblem of Ukraine.  The back includes an image of St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev which was constructed for Yaroslav.  In 2018 Ukraine introduced new nickel-plated steel 1 and 2 Hryvni coins.  The coins utilize the same portraits as the same denomination banknote:  Volodymyr on the 1 Hryvnia and Yaroslav in the 2 Hryvni.  
Item UA-1H04 UKRAINE 1 HRYVNIA COIN 2004 KM209 UNC. $4.00
Item UA-1H06 UKRAINE 1 HRYVNIA COIN 2006 KM209 UNC. $4.00
Item PM-UA-SET2 UKRAINE 1 & 2 HRYVNI BANKNOTES 2013-14 P116A & P117 UNC. $4.00
Item UA-SET18 UKRAINE 1 & 2 HRYVNI COINS 2018 UNC. $3.00




UKRAINE CELEBRATES 100th ANNIVERSARY OF ITS NAVY

Ukarine 10 Hryven 100th ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE NAVY COINUkraine celebrated the 100th anniversary of its Navy with this 2018 10 Hryven coin, which is impressive for a country that only gained independence 31 years ago.  The Ukrainian Navy traces is founding to April 18, 1918. The commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, sensing the mood of the majority of the Ukrainian seaman, officially proclaimed the entire fleet in Crimea to be under control of the Ukrainian National Congress  and raised the Ukrainian flag.  In 1921 it was merged into the Soviet Navy.  It was re-established after Ukraine gained its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.  It lost most of its ships and its headquarters in Sevastopol when Russia invaded Crimea in 2014.  The obverse of the 30mm copper-nickel-zinc coin includes the Ukraine Naval Flag, the outline of a warship and the Ukraine national emblem.  The reverse features the number "100" incorporating naval insignia atop stylized waves.
Item UA-10H18-NAVY UKRAINE 10 HRYVEN 2018 100th ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE NAVY UNC. $5.00



2022 UKRAINE COINS HONORS MILITARY

Ukraine 10 Hryven 2022 Commemoratives: Special Ops, Navy and Territorial Defense Force
Ukraine released three 2022 dated 10 Hryven coins honoring their military which is fighting against the Russian invasion.  A 33mm coin honoring the Special Operations Forces depicts the emblem of the forces on one side and a Special Ops soldier on the other.  Behind the soldier is an outline of Svyatoslav the Brave with a sword and a shield. Svyatoslav ruled Kievan Rus from 945 until he was killed in an ambush in 972.  Another 33mm coin honors the Navy.  One side depicts three naval ships and a map of southern Ukraine and Crimea, which is currently ruled by Russia.  The other side features the emblem of the Navy.  The third is a 23.5mm 10 Hryven honoring the Territorial Defense Force.  Male and female soldiers with guns and the force's emblem are on one side of the coin.  The other side features the denomination and the small Ukrainian coat of arms.
Item UA-10H-SET22 UKRAINE SET OF 3 2022 10 HRYVEN ARMED FORCES COINS, UNC. $9.75



2023 UKRAINE 10 HRYVENS HONOR WAR EFFORT

Ukraine 2023 circulating commemorative 10 Hryven
Ukraine released four circulating 10 Hryven coins in 2023 dealing with their war against Russia. They are some of the few commemorative war coins issued during the fighting.   The Air Defense coin depicts a United States built Patriot Surface to Air missile system.  The Support Forces of the Armed Forces were honored on a coin bearing the Support Forces emblem.  The Antonivsky bridge was the main crossing of the Dnipro River near Kherson.  Control of the bridge changed hands several times between February 2022 before Ukrainian forces finally gained control of the destroyed bridge from the Russians in November 2022.  Ukraine commemorated the bridge with this coin that shows a map of the bridge over the Dnipro River.   The emblem of the Command of the United Armed Forces of Ukraine is featured on the coin honoring the Command.  The inscription a the top translates as "Together we will win!"  The coins all have a common obverse that includes the small Ukraine coat of arms, denomination and date.  The 23.5mm coins are struck in nickel-plated zinc.  All four coins are Uncirculated.
Item UA-AIR23 UKRAINE 10 HRYVEN 2023 AIR DEFENCE UNC. $3.00
Item UA-SUPPORT23 UKRAINE 10 HRYVEN 2023 SUPPORT FORCES UNC. $3.00
Item UA-BRIDGE23 UKRAINE 10 HRYVEN 2023 ANTONIVSKY BRIDGE UNC. $3.00
Item UA-COMMAND23 UKRAINE 10 HRYVEN 2023 ARMED FORCES COMMAND UNC. $3.00


NEWUKRAINE 2024 ARMED FORCES COMMEMORATIVES

Ukraine 10 Hryven 2024 Medical Forces and Transport Services of the Armed ForcesUkraine issued to more coins in their continuing series of circulating 10 Hyrven coins commemorating branches of their armed forces.  The first two coins of 2024 honor the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service. The coins each feature the emblem of the service on the reverse.  The coins have a common obverse that includes the denomination, date, Ukraine arms within an old Rus ornament.  The 23.5mm coins are nickel-plated zinc.
Item UA-SET24A UKRAINE SET OF TWO 10 HRYVEN 2024 MEDICAL & TRANSPORT SERVICES UNC. $6.00


2018 UZBEKISTAN COIN SET

Uzbekistan 2018 coin set: 50, 100, 200 & 500 SomIn 2018 Uzbekistan released four new nickel-plated steel 2018 dated coins.  The 500 Som depicts the Palace of Conventions, also called Palace of International Forums  (Anjumanlar Saroyi), which was built in 2009 in Tashkent.  The 200 Som depicts the sun rising over a tiger.  The design is taken from a 17th century mosaic on the Sher-Dor Madrasah at the Registan in Samarkand.  The 100 Som depicts the Independence and Goodness monument in Tashkent.  The denomination and native designs are featured on the 50 Som. The Uzbek national emblem and date is on the obverse of each of the coins.
Item UZBEK18 UZBEKISTAN 4 COIN SET 50 - 500 SOM, 2018 BU $5.00



VITEBSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC FEATURES LENIN

Vitebsk People's Republic 20 Rubles 2020 coinVitebsk is the northern region of Belarus, bordering Russia, Latvia and Lithuania. Recently Russia has been circulating the idea of creating the Vitebsk People's Republic, which would be a puppet state of Moscow rather than part of Belarus.  Shortly there after an unofficial coin for the Vitebsk People's Republic was issued by a Russian coin dealer.  The 2020 dated 20 Rubles commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Lenin.  One side of the silver-plated Proof coin depicts the bust of Lenin.  The other side depicts the coat of arms in red and gold.   The odd-shaped coin measures 40x30mm and has a mintage of only 140 pieces.
Item VITEBSK VITEBSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC 20 RUBLES 2020 PROOF $22.00






Also see:

Click Here400 YEARS OF RUSSIAN COINS AND CURRENCY

Click HereCOINS & CURRENCY OF FORMERLY COMMUNIST EASTERN EUROPE


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