After the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Brandenburg Gate, the Colosseum, the Vatican and many other important cultural and historical monuments in Europe, it's time to visit the Golden Gate in Kyiv. This architectural landmark dating back to the 11th century is depicted on the first Ukrainian souvenir euro banknote. Despite the fact that this is not an official currency but a souvenir banknote, it is made of 100% cotton paper, which is used in the production of real euro banknotes. This banknote also contains many security features, such as watermarks, micro-printing, anti-prints, holograms, UV protection, a touch zone for the visually impaired, etc. They are the same as the real euro banknotes that are used every day in the EU.
The concept of the €0 souvenir banknote originated in France, where it was created in 2015 by Richard Faille in cooperation with the French National Bank and with the permission of the European Central Bank. Since 2015, the concept has spread to countries such as Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic and many others, where it has been a great success with both the public and collectors. The main philosophy of the event is to support tourism, promote the most important cultural and historical monuments in Europe and help preserve and finance European cultural heritage.
These banknotes are in great demand among visitors, collectors and numismatists, as well as the general public, as evidenced by the great interest in this issue from abroad. Due to their limited, numbered and precisely catalogued mintages, the souvenir 0 euro banknotes have become the only souvenir that can be purchased, and the price of some issues has even increased over time. Some limited editions in Europe cost more than €100 each after they are sold out.
Since the concept was first introduced, the issuance of souvenir €0 banknotes has spread across Europe at lightning speed, and in 2023, Ukraine joined the bandwagon. This comes at a time when the European Commission has recommended that Ukraine start negotiations on accession to the European Union.
With its rich history, Ukraine has a lot to offer. The first Ukrainian souvenir banknote, a €0 note issued in a limited edition of 5,000, features the Golden Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic monuments of the Ukrainian people. In the XIII century, these walls were one of the bastions that stood in the way of the Mongol-Tatar invasion, thus protecting the countries of Europe.
So, what exactly does the first Ukrainian 0 euro banknote look like? In addition to the Golden Gate, the banknote features a part of the Kyiv anthem "How can I not love you, my Kyiv!" and the Kyiv coat of arms. The souvenir euro banknotes, which are designed in purple, resemble the 500 euro banknote and are the size of a 20 euro banknote. More information can be found on the official website of the initiator of the Ukrainian souvenir €0 banknotes at
https://www.eurosouvenir.com.ua.
Sales are scheduled to start on 13 January 2024. The €0 souvenir banknotes can be purchased at the souvenir shop at the entrance to the Bell Tower of the National Conservation Area "St. Sophia of Kyiv" (24 Volodymyrska St., Kyiv) or ordered online at the official website of St. Sophia of Kyiv in the "Museum Shop" section:
https://st-sophia.org.ua/uk/muzejna-kramnichka
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