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The National Bank of Ukraine has added the "Inhabitants of the Deep Sea" set to its "Flora and Fauna of Ukraine" series. This set comprises two commemorative 5-hryvnia coins, one dedicated to a species from the Sea of Azov and the other to a species from the Black Sea. Both are minted in nickel silver, feature color-printed details, and are presented together in an elegant illustrated presentation.
The coins were issued on September 21, 2026. With them, the bank aims to draw attention to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the role of species that can provide information about the state of their environment. The planned mintage is up to 50,000 sets.
Two seas that are part of Ukraine
This issue focuses on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, two areas closely linked to the coasts and ecosystems of Ukraine. The National Bank's intention is not merely to depict the profile of these two seas: it aims to draw attention to the life that inhabits their waters and seabeds, and to remind us that conserving it also means caring for the environment upon which it depends.
To do so, he chose two unusual animals to feature on a coin: the crustacean Upogebia pusilla and the Black Sea scallop, Flexopecten ponticus. Compared to more familiar marine species, these two inhabitants highlight the diversity that exists near the seabed and the importance of paying attention to organisms that normally go unnoticed.
The two chosen species also have specific environmental value, as they can act as bioindicators: observing their presence and condition provides clues about the state of the marine environment. Therefore, the selection of these animals goes beyond their visual appeal.
The location where they appear also matters. On the coin from the Sea of Azov, crustaceans are shown among underwater vegetation; on the Black Sea coin, scallops occupy sandy depressions. These two different scenes of the seabed help us understand that protecting the sea means caring for the habitats where its species live, not just the water visible from the shore.
Why these species?
The National Bank of Ukraine identifies them as components of its marine ecosystems and as bioindicators of their health. With this initiative, it aims to draw attention to the protection of the seas and the care of their natural resources.
Azov Sea: the crustacean Upogebia pusilla
The obverse features a stylized silhouette of the Sea of Azov with the adjacent Ukrainian territory. The landscape is rendered with horizontal lines in relief, resembling waves. In the upper right are the small state coat of arms, the year 2026, and the inscription "УКРАЇНА" (Ukraine); below this is the face value. At the bottom are the words "АЗОВСЬКЕ МОРЕ" and "THE SEA OF AZOV," with the mint mark of the Ukrainian Mint between them.
Sea of Azov · Obverse
Sea of Azov · Reverse
The reverse shows two specimens of Upogebia pusilla, one gray and the other swampy green, among marine vegetation. The figures are printed in color. The scientific name is arranged in an arc at the top; below it is "МОРСЬКИЙ КРІТ", the Ukrainian name for this animal.
Black Sea: three scallops on the sand
The obverse of the second coin features the silhouette of the Black Sea alongside Ukrainian land. Horizontal lines of varying lengths mimic the movement of water. To the right are the small coat of arms and "УКРАЇНА" (Ukraine); below are the face value and the year 2026. The legends "ЧОРНЕ МОРЕ" (Black Sea) and "ЧОРНЕ" (The Black Sea) surround the mint mark of the Ukrainian Mint.
Black Sea · Obverse
Black Sea · Reverse
On the reverse, three scallops are depicted in depressions in the sand. The color applied to the shells stands out against the background of the seabed. "FLEXOPECTEN PONTICUS" occupies the upper arc and "CHORNOMORSEKIY GREBINEZ" (Black Sea scallop), the lower one.
A presentation that completes the marine journey
The two pieces are presented together in an illustrated display that extends the theme of the obverse and reverse. The cover combines maps of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov with nautical motifs. Inside, the coins are integrated among scenes and texts about their ecosystems. In this way, the display allows the viewer to connect each animal with the sea to which its coin is dedicated.
Exterior view.
Inside the container with the two coins.
Features of the set
Series Flora and fauna of Ukraine
Date of issue September 21, 2026
Metal Alpaca (non-precious alloy)
Weight 16.54 g each coin
Diameter 35 mm
Quality Special non-circulated
Singing Fluted
Design Alisa Ivanova
Maximum print run 50,000 copies
Presentation Illustrated joint presentation
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