On December 29, the National Bank of Ukraine introduced a new commemorative banknote of 500 hryvnias, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Hryhorii Skovoroda.

Hryhorii Skovoroda was a most unique and unparalleled national thinker and teacher, whose works are among Ukraine’s most important spiritual treasures. Almost three centuries ago, Skovoroda put forward a development path for the Ukrainian nation, outlining the most prominent features of its mentality – three-sun unity, work that one does naturally, and the philosophy of a wise heart.

"The celebration of the 300th anniversary of the great Ukrainian thinker Hryhorii Skovoroda is the year's event in the field of culture. It was included in the calendar of commemorative dates of UNESCO. The philosopher is known as a composer, singer, translator, teacher, and artist not only in our country. Today, for Ukrainians, Hryhorii Skovoroda is a harbinger of freedom, which we are fighting for today for the entire civilized world," said Oleksandr Tkachenko, Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.

From the outside, the commemorative banknote is almost identical to the old, "Skovoroda" banknote with a denomination of 500 hryvnias. However, the new banknote will contain symbols for celebrating Hryhorii Skovoroda's anniversary: ​​the front side of the banknote will have a special drawing with the signature "The World of Skovoroda", which will change color when the angle of the banknote is tilted. The circulation of the new banknote is 50,000 pieces.