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This commemorative coin conveys the idea of the issue through symbols, relief and an expressive composition that is a pleasure to examine. The subject and design details underscore the theme: dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine — the country’s highest prize in literature and art, publicism and journalism, the most prestigious creative distinction for a significant contribution to Ukrainian culture.
Obverse
The obverse is built as a coherent stage design, where state emblems are combined with imagery of the issue’s theme. It features a stylized artistic image of a muse nurturing a flowering plant — a symbol of culture and of the Ukrainian artistic soul. To the right is the inscription DO NOT ABANDON ME, TEACH… — words from Taras Shevchenko’s poem "The Muse." At the bottom of the composition are the inscription UKRAINE, the year of minting 2026, the Small State Coat of Arms of Ukraine, the denomination 5 with the graphic hryvnia symbol, and the logo of the Banknote and Coin Mint of the National Bank of Ukraine. Careful relief and balanced fields lend the piece collector-grade expressiveness. The state emblem sets an official tone within the composition and balances the decorative elements. The hallmark of the NBU Banknote and Coin Mint emphasizes the official origin of the issue.
Reverse
The reverse reveals the main image of the issue in expressive relief and a layered composition. On a cartouche it depicts a portrait of the young Taras Shevchenko framed by a stylized olive wreath. The cartouche is entwined with a decorative ribbon bearing a floral ornament — a cluster of viburnum (kalyna) with leaves, flanked by the inscription TARAS SHEVCHENKO NATIONAL PRIZE OF UKRAINE. Careful relief and balanced fields lend the piece collector-grade expressiveness. In the texture of the field, relief transitions are visible: from fine strokes to deeper plateaus that beautifully catch the light as the coin is turned.
Historical context
The coin’s subject is tied to an event or image important to Ukrainian memory. The Taras Shevchenko National Prize was established in 1961, and among its first laureates were the poet Pavlo Tychyna, the writer Oles Honchar and the composer Platon Maiboroda. Such issues become little "time capsules": they preserve the emotion of the moment, a cultural marker and recognizable symbolism for future generations. A fitting gift and a warm accent for any collection. It fits a collection well and looks festive in a case.