Issued by the National Bank of Ukraine on 26 April 2026, the "To Those Who Saved the World" 5 Hryvnia commemorative coin marks the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster and focuses on the people who took part in the emergency response following the nuclear accident in 1986.

Approximately 600,000 individuals—including firefighters, military personnel, medics, scientists, law enforcement officers, and civilian volunteers—were involved in containing the consequences of the disaster. Their actions helped limit the impact of what remains the largest accident in the history of nuclear energy.

The coin takes its name from the "To Those Who Saved the World" memorial in Chornobyl, created in memory of the first responders who faced the immediate effects of the explosion and fire. The design approaches the subject through symbolism rather than direct imagery. On the obverse, the word ЧОРНОБ (Chornob) incorporates the number 40 into its first letters, linking the anniversary to the name of the disaster. The unfinished final letter extends onto the reverse, where the word БІЛЬ ("Pain") completes the composition, creating a visual connection between the event and its lasting human consequences.

Struck in German silver and presented in Special Uncirculated quality, the coin is issued with an official booklet. With an actual mintage of only 35,000 pieces, it is one of the lower-mintage Ukrainian commemorative releases of 2026 and an important addition for collectors focused on Chornobyl-related numismatics, modern Ukrainian coinage, and twentieth-century historical themes.

Specifications

• Country: Ukraine
• Issuer: National Bank of Ukraine
• Denomination: 5 Hryvnias
• Theme: To Those Who Saved the World
• Occasion: 40th Anniversary of the Chornobyl Disaster
• Year: 2026
• Issue Date: 24 April 2026
• Metal: German Silver
• Weight: 16.54 g
• Diameter: 35 mm
• Quality: Special Uncirculated
• Edge: Corrugated
• Designer: Mykola Kovalenko
• Packaging: Official Booklet
• Planned Mintage: 50,000
• Actual Mintage: 35,000

Collector Highlights

• Official National Bank of Ukraine issue
• 40th anniversary Chornobyl commemorative coin
• Actual mintage limited to 35,000 pieces
• Symbolic two-part design connecting obverse and reverse
• Special Uncirculated collector finish
• Official booklet packaging
• Strong historical and educational significance
• Relevant to Chornobyl, nuclear history, and Ukrainian commemorative collections