National Bank, Ukrainian Drone, and the Vampire Coin: A New Chapter in Ukrainian Numismatics

The National Bank of Ukraine honors the 'Vampire' drone with a commemorative coin, celebrating its impact on defense and innovation. A blend of tech and tradition!

National Bank, Ukrainian Drone, and the Vampire Coin: A New Chapter in Ukrainian Numismatics

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) is blending tradition with cutting-edge technology, issuing a commemorative coin dedicated to the Ukrainian 'Vampire' drone. It highlights Ukrainian innovation in defense.

Honoring the 'Vampire' Drone

The NBU has released a new coin celebrating the 'Vampire' multi-purpose drone and marking the third anniversary of its first flight. This coin is part of the 'Armed Forces of Ukraine' series, which honors Ukrainian weaponry and their creators.

Coin Design and Features

The coin's design is striking. The obverse side depicts a war-torn landscape with craters and a silhouette of the Vampire drone in flight. A destroyed enemy tank sits in the background, emphasizing the drone's defensive role. The reverse side shows a hexacopter dropping ordnance amidst lightning bolts, symbolizing the speed and power of its strikes. The word 'VAMPIRE' is inscribed at the top.

Designed by artists Volodymyr Taran, Oleksandr, and Serhii Haruk, the coin has a face value of 5 hryvnias, with a mintage of up to 75,000 copies in souvenir packaging. It became available on July 8th through the NBU’s online store and distributor banks.

The 'Vampire' Drone: A Closer Look

Created by the Ukrainian company SkyFall in 2022, the 'Vampire' is a new generation multifunctional high-precision drone. Its primary mission is to support Ukrainian security and defense forces against Russian aggression.

Since its first flight on July 6, 2022, this hexacopter has become essential for target destruction, remote mining, and humanitarian aid. The enemy even calls it 'Baba Yaga' due to its destructive capabilities. Over a million combat operations have proven its effectiveness.

Other Commemorative Coins: National Police of Ukraine

The NBU also recently issued a commemorative coin dedicated to the National Police of Ukraine, coinciding with the National Police Day. This coin has a face value of 10 hryvnias and is made from a zinc-based alloy with a nickel coating.

Design of the Police Coin

The obverse of the police coin mirrors the 10 hryvnia circulating coin of 2018, featuring the denomination, mintage year, and State Emblem of Ukraine. The reverse displays a stylized composition of various police units, with the National Police emblem (an eight-pointed star with the small State Emblem of Ukraine) above. The inscription 'NATIONAL POLICE OF UKRAINE' and 'SERVICE AND PROTECT' encircles the coin.

Designed by Alisa Ivanova and Volodymyr Demyanenko, nearly 10 million of these coins will be circulated, with 20,000 rolls (25 coins each) available for purchase. These rolls became available on July 8, 2025, through the NBU’s online store and distributor banks.

Blending Innovation and Tradition

The National Bank of Ukraine's decision to honor the 'Vampire' drone with a commemorative coin is a testament to the country's innovative spirit and resilience. It’s not just about currency; it’s about recognizing and celebrating Ukrainian ingenuity in the face of adversity.

While the 'National Police of Ukraine' coin celebrates those who serve and protect, the 'Vampire' coin highlights Ukraine's forward-thinking approach to defense. It is an awesome coin.

So, whether you're a numismatist, a tech enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good story, these coins offer a fascinating glimpse into modern Ukraine. Who knew currency could be so cool?