This colorful Ukrainian banknote represents the 1st denomination of the Hryvnia (Second Series, 1996). Due to worsening condition in Ukraine, during the post-Soviet era. Adoption of the First Series Hryvnia was delayed until 1996. Thus the First and Second Series Hryvnia were in circulation, roughly at the same time.
The Canadian Bank Note Company printed the First Series and the Second Series, up to the 20 Hryvnia denomination. While the Maltese branch of British printer De La Rue completed the series. Notably De La Rue also printer the transitional Karbovanets currency, until 1994. After which National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) began printing operations.
The First and Second Series Hryvnia were demonetized, on 1 October 2020.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of Volodymyr the Great (958-1015), Grand Prince of Kiev. Volodymyr is noted for reconquering Novgorod, from his brother Yaropolk I. Which allowed creation of the Kievan Rus', in 980. Which included portions of modern Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. It formed the basis for the latter formation of those nations.
In addition, Volodymyr converted the Slavs to Orthodox Christianity, in 988. Which is symbolized by the false watermark to the portrait's right. The note's header reads (trans.) "Ukraine" followed by the "National Bank of Ukraine". While the banner below reads (trans.) "One Hryvna", there is a floral embellishment at left end.
Above this floral embellishment is one of the note's dual serial numbers (MA 8609245). The second serial number is at the right end of the banner. This serial number is black inked rather than red. To the upper left of the red serial number, is a "flower-shaped" registration element. Backlighting the note will complete the image and reveal the note's Volodymyr the Great watermark.
To the upper left and right are number "1"s, representing the note's face value.
Reverse
The reverse depicts an illustration of the ancient ruins of Chersonesus, on the Crimean Peninsula. Chersonesus began as a Ancient Greek colony, later becoming Roman, then Byzantine city. It was abandoned in the aftermath of the 1475 Turkish conquest. It currently lies on the outskirts of Sevastopol and is tied 5th for the Seven Wonders of Ukraine.
Above the note's banner header reads (trans.) "National Bank of Ukraine". While reads (trans.) "One Hryvna", besides it are embellishments. Below the left embellishment is the note's "1995" print date. While above it is a false watermark area. Backlighting it will reveal the before mentioned Orthodox Christian symbol. Opposite is watermark area and registration element negative.
The remainder of the note features a decorative underprint and embellishments. The reverse features four number "1"s, near the note's corners. The upper numbers rest on green guilloche backings.
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 133 x 66 mm or 5.24 x 2.60 in, slightly smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are standard sized protective sleeves.
The Ukrainian Hryvnia ISO code was UAH, it used both ₴. and грн as symbols.
The Ukrainian Hryvnia is subdivided into 100 Kopiyka, the 1, 2, and 5 Kopiyka coins were withdrawn on 1 October 2019.