France Releases Commemorative Euro Banknote Dedicated to the Capital of Ukraine
In France, a commemorative banknote with a face value of 0 euros has been issued, dedicated to the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. The banknote features one of the main landmarks of the Ukrainian capital—the Golden Gate, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, it includes lines from the official anthem of Kyiv, the song "How not to love you, my Kyiv!" The sale of these souvenir banknotes will commence on Saturday, January 13, according to the Ukrainian National Reserve "Sophia of Kyiv."
"In the 13th century, the walls of the Golden Gate were one of the bastions that stood in the way of the Mongol-Tatar invasion, thereby protecting European countries from it," notes the reserve's announcement.
The souvenir banknotes have a violet hue and resemble 500-euro bills in appearance, with their size matching that of the official 20-euro banknote. The Ukrainian release is initiated by the company Nunofia s.r.o., the exclusive licensee and publisher of 0-euro commemorative banknotes.
Despite being non-official currency and serving as a souvenir, the banknote is crafted from 100% cotton paper used in the production of real euro banknotes. Additionally, it incorporates various security features such as watermarks, microprinting, anti-prints, holograms, UV radiation protective elements, and a tactile area for people with visual impairments.
The concept of issuing 0-euro commemorative banknotes originated in France in 2015, created by Richard Fail in collaboration with the National Bank of France and with the approval of the European Central Bank. This idea was later implemented in Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, and other countries, achieving significant success among both the general public and collectors.
"Souvenir notes have sparked a real craze among collectors, with their prices sometimes increasing from €1.5 to €900. In 2019, almost 400 types of such souvenir notes appeared worldwide in just six months. Considering that the issuance of notes is limited, numbered, and precisely catalogued, experts predict a continuous increase in their value after the sale concludes," noted the "Sophia of Kyiv" reserve.
It's worth mentioning that last year also saw the release of a commemorative 0-euro banknote in support of Ukraine, titled "Peace for Ukraine." It depicts a dove holding the Ukrainian flag in its beak and a branch of peace with leaves in Ukrainian national colours.