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On June 29th, the National Bank of Ukraine issued a new commemorative coin dedicated to one of the most famous tales in the country's folklore: the legend of Kyrylo the Tanner (Kyrylo Kozhumiaka). This legendary craftsman, endowed with superhuman strength, became a symbol of the triumph of courage and justice when he confronted a fearsome dragon, a traditional representation of evil in Ukrainian folklore, managing to liberate a city and rescue a princess from captivity.
The story of Kyrylo Kozhumiaka has its roots in ancient legends from the Kyivan Rus' period, although the versions that have survived to the present day were compiled and transcribed primarily during the 19th and 20th centuries. The protagonist is a humble tanner —hence his nickname, which literally means "the tanner" —whose extraordinary physical strength is reflected in numerous versions of the tale, where it is stated that he was able to manipulate enormous hides with an ease impossible for anyone else.
According to the most widespread version, a gigantic dragon had subjugated the city of Kyiv, forcing its inhabitants to periodically offer it young people as tribute. When it was the prince's daughter 's turn, she discovered that only one man could defeat the creature: Kyrylo the Tanner. Although the craftsman initially refused to intervene, he eventually accepted the request after witnessing the suffering of the city's children, who came to him pleading for help. Armed only with his immense strength and a heavy mace, he confronted the monster in a battle that ended with the dragon's defeat and the liberation of the princess and the entire city.
As with many folk legends, there are several variations of the ending. In some, Kyrylo kills the dragon during the fight; in others, he forces the beast to drag a huge plow, thus marking the territory before finally destroying it. There are even versions that link the tale to the ancient Zmíyovi Valy, or "Dragon's Embankments," a system of earthen fortifications located south of Kyiv whose construction was traditionally explained by this legend. These associations show how Ukrainian folklore sought to provide mythical explanations for real elements of the country's landscape and history.
Beyond his fantastical nature, Kyrylo Kozhumiaka has been interpreted for generations as the personification of the strength, courage, and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of any threat. For this reason, his figure has transcended the realm of oral tradition to become one of Ukraine's great cultural heroes, inspiring literary works, theatrical performances, film adaptations, and numerous artistic expressions.
5 GRIVNA COIN
OBVERSE
The obverse of the coin features three narrative compositions separated by stylized hemp ropes. Each segment illustrates a key episode from the tale: Kyrylo the Tanner practicing his craft, the children asking for his help, and the princess held captive by the dragon. At the top of the composition are the Ukrainian mint mark, the legend "УКРАЇНА" (Ukraine), and the small coat of arms of the State of Ukraine. In the lower right are the year of issue, "2026," its face value, and the legend КИРИЛО / КОЖУМ'ЯКА (Kyrylo / the Tanner).
REVERSE
The reverse side depicts a color battle scene between Kyrylo the Tanner and the dragon, symbolizing the triumph of human strength, will, and justice over destructive evil.
PRESENTATION
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Country: Ukraine
Year of issue: 2026
Singing: Fluted
Quality: Special non-circulated
Design: Alisa Ivanova, Volodymyr Demianenko, Volodymyr Atamanchuk
Face value: 5 hryvnias
Metal: Alpaca
Diameter: 35 mm
Weight: 16.54 g
Maximum print run: 75,000
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