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Ukraine
Independence Commemoratives Available
Ukraine gained
its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991. Tenth
Anniversary commemorative coins were issued in 2001, but they
have not been available in the United States until now. The
coins have been issued in proof gold, proof silver and brilliant
uncirculated copper-nickel - all with similar designs.
The state
emblem on the obverse depicts a trident, surrounded by an
heraldic lion and a Cossack with a musket. The oldest examples
of the trident discovered by archeologists on Ukrainian territory
date back to the 1st century ad. At that time the trident
probably served as a symbol of power in one of the tribes
that later became part of the Ukrainian people. The trident
first appeared on gold and silver coins issued by Prince Volodymyr
the Great (980 - 1015), who perhaps inherited the symbol from
his ancestors as a dynastic coat of arms, and passed it on
to his sons.
The Ukrainian
Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) appears on the reverse superimposed
on a map of the country; the dual date 1991-2001 is below.
The silver coin also features a colored holographic image
of a solar cross between the years.
The 20
hryvnia coin contains 67.2 gm. of sterling (925 fine) silver
(net weight of 2 oz. pure silver), the 10 hryvnia coin contains
3.88 gm. of 900 fine gold, and the 5 hryvnia coin contains
16.54 gm. of copper-nickel. Mintages are limited to only 1,000
silver, 3,000 gold and 100,000 copper-nickel coins. The silver
and gold proof coins come in protective capsules and are housed
in velvet presentation cases with certificates of authenticity;
the copper-nickel coins come in protective capsules.
The large
silver Ukraine Independence Anniversary proof coin is available
for $89, the proof gold commemorative is $119, and the brilliant
uncirculated copper-nickel coin is $14.95. Add $4.50 per order
for shipping. They can be ordered from the official distributor:
PandaAmerica, 3460 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90503.
Credit card orders can be placed by calling (800) 472-6327 or
emailing info@pandaamerica.com.
Prepared
by Mel Wacks
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