Ukraine Issues "International Year of Astronomy" Commemorative Coin

October 14, 2009: Approaching the end of 2009 comes this cupro-nickel brilliant uncirculated coin issued by the National Bank of Ukraine to commemorate the International Year of Astronomy. The International Year of Astronomy in 2009 coincides with the 400th anniversary of the first recorded astronomical observations with a telescope by Galileo Galilei, as well as the publication of Johannes Kepler's Astronomia nova in the 17th century which details his laws on planetary motion.


Ukraine 2009 5 Hryvnia International Year Of Astronomy BU

Following on from a series of commemorative coins issued throughout the world celebrating the topical theme of space and astronomy, with 2009 also being the 40th anniversary of the first moon walk, the National Bank of Ukraine struck two coins to celebrate this import scientific year. The 100 Hryvnia IYA coin was struck in an impressive 1 kilograms of 99.9% fine silver, on a 100mm flan. The more affordable 5 Hryvnia was struck from the familiar composite of cupro-nickel, also known by some as German silver, at a weight of 16.54 grams on a 35mm surface area, with an equally stunning design.

On the reverse is a mixed design featuring elements important to the International Year of Astronomy. In the upper left quarter is the official IYA 2009 logo, featuring two figures looking up into a stylised cosmos. To the right is a portrait of noted Russian philosopher, astrologist, writer and doctor, Yuriy Drohobych, with the years of his life below. In the bottom portion are various objects used in astronomical research. To the left is the inscription "МІЖНАРОДНИЙ РІК АСТРОНОМІЇ" (International year of astronomy). The obverse has, at the top, the inscription "НАЦІОНАЛЬНИЙ БАНК УКРАЇНИ" (National Bank of Ukraine), with the coat of arms in the centre. Below is a composite image symbolizing the Cosmos, with the image of Urania, the patroness of astronomy, one of the nine Muses in the Greek mythology, to the left, with a fragment of a scheme showing the motion of solar system planets to the right. Near the bottom is the year of issue (2009) and the denomination inscribed within a stylised ribbon. The coin is supplied in a protective plastic flip.

The International Year of Astronomy commemorative coins have generated plenty of interest throughout the world, mostly due to the popular theme of space and the stunningly detailed designs. Euro Collections International has a special section dedicated to displaying all the coins issued to mark 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, and you can see our showcase by clicking here.