2016-07-05 Tue

The 20th anniversary of the Ukraine’s post-soviet constitution was celebrated with the issue of two new coins. The constitution, also known as “Basic Law of Ukraine” came into effect on 28th June, 1996. The document defines the relationship between the state and society along with the basic laws which has revived Ukrainian statehood.

Ukraine became independent from the Soviet Union on 24th August 1991. A democratic Republic needed new presidential elections soon after that. The parliament has the right to amend the constitution, and the Republic of Ukraine must conform to it. Constitution Day is celebrated on 28th June since 1996. The currency Hryvnia became legal tender on 2nd September 1996.

The obverse depicts the text from the first three articles of constitution:

“Article 1. Ukraine is a sovereign, independent, democratic, social, legal state.

“Article 2. The sovereignty of Ukraine extends throughout its territory. Ukraine is a unitary state. The territory of Ukraine within its present border is indivisible and inviolable.

“Article 3. Man, his life and health, honor and dignity, inviolability and security are recognized in Ukraine as the highest social value.”

The text appears on a depiction of an open book with a sprig of holly above the book. ‘Ukrainian Constitution’ and ‘20 Years’ is inscribed in Ukrainian language.

The reverse features the parliament of Ukraine with a border of holly. The coin bears the inscription ‘YK??I??’ with the denomination.