This colorful Ukrainian banknote represents the 2nd 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The First and Second Series Hryvnia were withdrawn, on 1 October 2020.
Observe
The observe features Yaroslav the Wise (978-1054), Grand Prince of Kiev. He was the son of Vladimir the Great and the first Christian ruler of Kiev. During Yaroslav's rule the Russkaya Pravda (Rus' Truth) was formed, providing the base for Slavic law. To the portrait's right is a false watermark area, featuring flowers and leaves.
The note's header reads (trans.) "Ukraine" followed by the "National Bank of Ukraine". While the banner below reads (trans.) "Two Hryvna", there is a floral embellishment at left end. Above this floral embellishment is one of the note's dual serial numbers (ПA 2519772).
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 "sun cross" 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 "2"s, representing the note's face value.
Reverse
The reverse depicts the Cathedral of St. Sophia, in Kyiv. It forms part of the 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.
Above the note's banner header reads (trans.) "National Bank of Ukraine". While reads (trans.) "Two 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 flower and leaf symbols. Opposite is watermark area and registration element negative.
The remainder of the note features a decorative underprint and embellishments. The reverse features four number "2"s, near the note's corners. The upper numbers rest on 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.