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On October 24, 2025, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) issued an exceptional numismatic set entitled “Inhabitants of the Deep Sea.” This collection, consisting of two commemorative 5 hryvnia coins, pays tribute to the natural wealth of two important aquatic ecosystems: the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Beyond their aesthetic beauty, these pieces seek to raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring the ecological balance that sustains both wildlife and human activities in the region.
The biological richness of two unique seas
The Black Sea and the Sea of Azov are more than just bodies of water on the map of Ukraine: they represent an ecological treasure trove with thousands of species that form delicate natural balances. Among them, two small but significant inhabitants stand out:
The bichok-krugliak (round goby, Neogobius melanostomus), a benthic fish that inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms.
The rak-samitnyk (hermit crab, Diogenes pugilator), a crustacean that embodies adaptability and symbiosis with its environment.
Both organisms act as bioindicators, meaning their presence and condition reflect the health of their habitat. This gives them a fundamental role in marine conservation policies.
Coin dedicated to the Sea of Azov
Obverse
The design features a stylized outline of the Sea of Azov and the adjacent Ukrainian territory in the center, rendered in horizontal reliefs that evoke the movement of the waves. In the upper right is the small coat of arms of Ukraine, followed by the year of issue “2025” and the vertical legend УКРАЇНА (Ukraine). Below is the face value “5” along with the hryvnia symbol and the mint mark. A semicircular inscription completes the design: АЗОВСЬКЕ МОРЕ / THE SEA OF AZOV.
Reverse
The reverse side features two specimens of the bichok-krugliak, depicted in color print in their natural habitat: a sandy-silty background with rock fragments and aquatic vegetation. In the foreground is a nest with eggs, highlighting their reproductive function and their role in the ecosystem. The semicircular inscriptions read: БИЧОК-КРУГЛЯК (above) and NEOGOBIUS MELANOSTOMUS (below).
The bichok-krugliak: a small guardian of the ecosystem
The bichok-krugliak (Neogobius melanostomus) is a fish characteristic of shallow coastal waters. Its modest size does not reflect its ecological importance.
This fish:
It lives in sandy and muddy bottoms, where it contributes to the aeration of the sediment.
It feeds on small invertebrates and mollusks, maintaining the balance of populations.
It lays its eggs on protected surfaces, making it a reliable bioindicator of water quality.
Furthermore, its resilience and adaptability have led it to expand beyond its original habitat, making it the subject of studies on biodiversity and invasive species.
Its appearance on this coin is not a coincidence: it symbolizes the interconnection between marine species and environmental health.
Coin dedicated to the Black Sea
Obverse
The design features a stylized silhouette of the Black Sea and the surrounding Ukrainian areas, rendered in wavy horizontal lines that suggest the ebb and flow of the water. In the upper right, the national coat of arms reappears, accompanied by the inscription УКРАЇНА (UKRAKNA), the year of issue “2025”, the face value “5” with the hryvnia symbol, and the mint mark. At the bottom, the semicircular inscription ЧОРНЕ МОРЕ (THE BLACK SEA) elegantly frames the design.
Reverse
The central scene is dedicated to the rak-samitnyk, illustrated in color details within its rocky habitat, surrounded by shell fragments—a typical Black Sea coastal landscape. The inscription DIOGENES PUGILATOR appears at the top, and RAK-SAMITNIK at the bottom.
The rak-samitnyk: an example of symbiosis and adaptation
The rak-samitnyk (Diogenes pugilator) is a fascinating crustacean that doesn't build its own shell, but instead occupies empty mollusk shells to protect its fragile abdomen.
This behavior makes it a symbol of natural recycling and ecological balance. Among its most notable characteristics:
It lives in shallow coastal areas, especially on rocky bottoms.
It changes its shell as it grows, integrating natural waste into its life cycle.
It actively participates in the food chain as both a prey and predator species.
Because it is sensitive to changes in water quality and seabed composition, it is an excellent biological indicator.
Its representation on the coin is a tribute to the discreet but vital benthic fauna of the Black Sea.
A message that transcends metal
This commemorative set stands out not only for its impeccable artistic and technical design, but also for its environmental message. The National Bank of Ukraine uses numismatics as an educational and cultural tool, reminding us that protecting the seas is not optional, but a shared responsibility.
Furthermore, the coins are presented in a high-quality , meticulously designed illustrated case, as shown in the image above. This case includes information about the marine species depicted, stylized maps of both seas, technical data about the coins, and details about their minting. Its elegant presentation reinforces the cultural and educational value of the collection.
The bichok-krugliak and the rak-samitnyk are two small species, but they represent a great ecological lesson: the health of an ecosystem depends on each of its inhabitants, visible and invisible.
Thus, these coins become ambassadors of Ukrainian marine biodiversity, a tangible reminder that caring for nature is preserving our own future.
Common characteristics of coins
Feature Detail
Denomination 5 hryvnias
Date of issue October 24, 2025
Diameter 35 mm
Quality BU
Amount issued 50,000 of each
Singing Fluted
Designer Alisa Ivanova
Recorders Anatolii Demianenko and Volodymyr Atamanchuk
Coinage National Bank of Ukraine, Mint
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