Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Anniversary Banknote Honors National Spirit
To mark the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, the National Bank of Ukraine has released a special commemorative version of the 20-hryvnia banknote. While largely similar in design to earlier issues, this edition features an important addition: the national slogan “СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ! ГЕРОЯМ СЛАВА!” (“Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!”), proudly printed in the upper-right corner on the reverse side. This phrase, rooted in Ukraine’s history and widely used during the country’s modern struggle for sovereignty, adds strong patriotic symbolism to the note.
The commemorative note is printed in a blend of green, blue, and brown tones, maintaining a cohesive and elegant aesthetic. Measuring 130 x 69 mm and printed on paper, the note includes multiple advanced security features.
On the front, the note features text in Ukrainian, a denomination-based registration device, and a portrait of Ivan Franko, one of Ukraine’s most celebrated writers and political thinkers. The design also includes the Ukrainian coat of arms, and a geometric SPARK feature that changes color depending on the viewing angle.
The reverse side highlights the cultural richness of Ukraine with a detailed engraving of the Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Atop the theatre is a statue of a winged woman holding a fern branch, a symbol of peace and artistic spirit. The patriotic slogan is clearly visible in the upper-right corner, reinforcing the national pride embedded in the note’s design.
In terms of security features, the note contains a solid security thread with demetalized text showing “20 ГРН” (20 Hryvnias) and the trident—a national emblem of Ukraine. The watermark includes a portrait of Ivan Franko, accompanied by an electrotype “20”.
This commemorative issue is not only a medium of currency but also a statement of Ukraine’s enduring independence, cultural heritage, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. The National Bank of Ukraine serves as the printer and issuer of the note, further ensuring its authenticity and national significance.
By embedding both cultural icons and national slogans, this banknote becomes a tangible symbol of Ukrainian identity, resilience, and hope for the future.