100 kabovanets souvenir commemorative banknote of the NBU 2018

The commemorative souvenir banknote of the National Bank of Ukraine “One Hundred Karbovanets” is not merely a reproduction of a monetary note, but a refined historical image in which memory, symbolism, and the spirit of state-building are intertwined. It was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the events of the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921 — a time when Ukrainians boldly declared to the world their right to their own state, language, culture, and financial independence.

During those turbulent years, not only political will was being formed, but also the economic symbols of the nation. The emergence of the first Ukrainian paper money became a landmark event, affirming Ukraine’s aspiration to be a full-fledged state. It is precisely this historical moment that the souvenir banknote “One Hundred Karbovanets” reflects. Its design recreates the state credit note of the Ukrainian People’s Republic with a denomination of 100 karbovanets issued in 1917, based on a sketch by the outstanding artist Heorhii Narbut. Even today, his graphic style impresses with the depth of its symbols and the noble restraint of its forms.

A special place in the composition is occupied by the Trident (Tryzub) — a sign dating back to the princely era of Volodymyr the Great, which on this banknote became not only an artistic element but also a political symbol. Its image on the credit note actually preceded the official approval of the Trident as the State Emblem of the Ukrainian People’s Republic by the Central Rada, highlighting the power of visual imagery in the process of nation-building. The central prong of the Trident, crowned with a cross in the watermark, adds depth and a sacred meaning to the image.

The souvenir banknote is produced on special security paper made primarily of linen fibers (up to 85%) and cotton cellulose. This material not only emphasizes authenticity but also refers to the traditions of Ukrainian craftsmanship. The banknote format — 80 × 170 mm — exactly corresponds to the historical original, allowing one to feel the breath of the past in every detail.

The obverse of the banknote features a stylized image of the front side of the 1917 credit note. On the left are the inscriptions “UKRAINE” and “To the Events of the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921,” above which rises the Trident — a symbol of statehood that has survived centuries. The reverse continues the historical narrative, reproducing the back side of the same credit note with the inscriptions “UKRAINE” and “To the Events of the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921. 100 Years.”

Issued in 2017 with a mintage of 80,000 pieces and put into circulation on December 29, 2017, this banknote belongs to the category of “other numismatic products” of the National Bank of Ukraine. Its artistic realization was created by Volodymyr Taran, Oleksandr Kharuk, and Serhii Kharuk, who managed to combine historical accuracy with modern printing excellence.

In the world of bonistics, the souvenir banknote “One Hundred Karbovanets” holds a special place. It is a valuable item for collectors, a meaningful souvenir, and at the same time a deeply symbolic gift — a sign of respect for Ukrainian history and its heroic pages. It is a tangible reminder of the path Ukraine has taken, and of the fact that the ideas of freedom and independence, born a hundred years ago, continue to live and inspire today