This small post-Soviet Ukrainian banknote represents the 6th denomination of the Third Karbovanets (Second Series, 1993). Due to the collapse of the Soviet Union economy in November 1990, the former Ukrainian SSR distributed Karbovanets. Initially these notes were single use coupons, used in combination with Soviet Rubles.
On 10 January 1992, the Karbovanets replaced the Soviet Ruble at par (1=1). Allowing Ukraine to begin setting up a path for an independent currency. The First Series (marked 1991) was the first of these notes to be issued, with its 7 denominations (1-100). Which were quickly followed by the larger Second Series, issued from 1992-1995.
This Second Series featured 13 denomination spanning from 100 to 1,0000 Karbovanets. Denomination were simply added yearly, to counter the effects of hyperinflation. This remained the status quo until the final adoption of the Hryvnia, on 2 September 1996.
Observe
The observe features the Kyiv Founders monument at Navodnytsky Park. According to the legendary "Tale of Bygone Years", written by Nestor the Chronicler (1056-1114 CE). The city of Kyiv was founded by Lybid (woman on ship's bow) with her legendary brothers Kyi, Shchek and Khoryv. This work is said to been written in the Kiev Monastery of the Caves.
Returning back to the observe, a keen observer will notice unlike the previous First Series. This note features a serial number, it reads "СД 1283942". Due to their rushed nature, the security measures of the First Series were somewhat lacking. These features are mostly limited guilloché work and a basic watermark.
Some similarities and differences between this note and the First Series. These similarities include using the same text layout, banner style, and waving guilloché lines. While differences include adding adding "Ukraine" to the footer and the Ukrainian Coat of Arms at the far left. Additionally a turquoise underprint has been added to the majority of the note. The underprint of main text area (center-right) has also been changed.
The note's header reads "УКРАЇНА" (trans. Ukraine), subtilty reminding the bearer of independence. The main text states the note's value, "КУПОН 5000" (trans. coupon 5000). Below is a sub-text area, it reads "УКРАЇНСЬКИХ КАРБОВАНЦІВ", "НАЦІОНАЛЬНИЙ БАНК УКРАЇНИ", and "1991". Identifying the note as a "UKRAINIAN KARBOVANETS", issued by the "NATIONAL BANK OF UKRAINE, in "1995".
Reverse
The reverse depicts Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Kiev Monastery of the Caves. The caves beneath the larger monastery have been active since 1051 CE. It's said Prince Iziaslav I of Kiev ceded the Berestov Mount to St Anthony of Kiev (983–1073) and his order, the Anthonite monks. After St Anthony and St Theodosius of Kiev gained favor with the Kievan Rus.
Returning to the reverse we can see the illustration is fairly detailed, despite the note's coupon nature. This illustration is reused from the original First Series, although the peripheral details have been changed. A large underprint pattern has been added covering the majority of the reverse.
This underprint incorporates blocks of directional microprint, adding passive security. Notably the style of the guilloché pattern has been changed. The style is more loosely bound, with reddish tinged bands. To the far right is a Ukrainian Coat of Arms, which functions as a registration element negative. Although as both elements overlap, it's effectively non-functional.
At the note's corners are guilloché patterns with the number "5000". Reinforcing the note's 5,000 Karbovanetsiv value. The guilloché patterns have been changed to a double spiraled design, rather than a conventional floral design.
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 102 x 53 mm or 4.02 x 2.09 in, smaller than a standard US Dollar.
The preferred method to preserve this note are standard sized side opening sleeves, cut to size.
The Ukrainian Karbovanets ISO Code is UAK, it lacked a formal currency symbol.
In theory the Karbovanets was subdivided into 100 kopiyka, although no currency was issued.
All notes of the Karbovanets First Series were demonetized on 1 October 1994.
All notes of the Karbovanets Second Series were demonetized on 17 September 1996.
Registration element form a full image by passing their observe/reverse elements over light.
The Caves of Saint Anthony and Saint Sophia Cathedral are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Kiev Monastery of the Caves is one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine.
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