---
title: "Memories of the 2001 Visit: NBU Announces Commemorative Coin for John Paul II in 2026"
description: "🇺🇦 The NBU has announced a commemorative coin for John Paul II to mark the 25th anniversary of his visit to Ukraine. The release is scheduled for 2026. The coin will become a symbol of Ukraine's European vocation and Ukrainian-Polish solidarity. #NBU #JohnPaulII #Ukraine"
date: 2026-08-07T20:44:01.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/nbu-announces-john-paul-ii-commemorative-coin-2026
tags: [nbu, john-paul-ii, ukraine, commemorative-coin, poland]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Memories of the 2001 Visit: NBU Announces Commemorative Coin for John Paul II in 2026

![Pope John Paul II in white robes, smiling in a black-and-white photo dedicated to the NBU commemorative coin of 2026](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/07/nbu-announced-john-paul-ii-commemorative-coin-2026/nbu-announced-john-paul-ii-commemorative-coin-2026-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- NBU will release a commemorative coin for John Paul II in 2026
- The coin is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Apostolic visit
- The initiative emphasizes Ukraine's European vocation
- The release will continue the tradition of Ukrainian-Polish solidarity

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has announced plans to release a commemorative coin in 2026 dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the historic Apostolic visit of Pope John Paul II to Ukraine. This decision, announced by the head of the National Bank, Andriy Pyshny, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Holy See, Andriy Yurash, aims to preserve the memory of the outstanding spiritual leader and his ideas, which, according to the regulator, remain relevant for Ukrainian society.

### Symbolism of the Visit and the European Vector

The Apostolic visit of John Paul II to Ukraine took place from June 23–27, 2001, and became a turning point in the country's history. During his first address in Kyiv, the Pontiff called himself a "friend of the Ukrainian people," emphasizing Ukraine's special geopolitical position between East and West and its European vocation. It is these theses, voiced a quarter of a century ago, that the National Bank considers the foundation for the new numismatic initiative. The coin will become not just a souvenir, but a reminder of the importance of historical memory and responsibility for the future.

### Continuation of the Tradition of Solidarity

The release of the coin in 2026 will be a logical continuation of the numismatic tradition associated with Ukrainian-Polish solidarity. In particular, in 2023, the National Bank of Ukraine and the National Bank of Poland jointly released a set of silver commemorative coins titled "Friendship and Brotherhood — The Greatest Wealth," dedicated to the partnership of the two states and support for Ukraine after the start of the full-scale Russian aggression. According to the NBU's concept, the new coin should develop this theme in a broader historical context, becoming a symbol of freedom, reconciliation, and European unity.

### Release Details and Technical Parameters

The National Bank has already begun work on the design and preparation for the release of the new commemorative coin. It is planned that it will be put into circulation in 2026. However, at this time, exact details such as the denomination, mintage, and specific presentation date remain under development and will be announced later. This allows the regulator to carefully work out the artistic solution that will befit the scale of John Paul II's personality and the significance of his visit.

### Context of NBU Numismatic Policy

The announcement of the John Paul II coin comes against the backdrop of the National Bank's active numismatic policy in 2026. Earlier, the regulator released a commemorative coin titled "Ukrainian Cotton. Sea Baby Sea Drone," dedicated to the SBU sea unmanned vehicle, as well as a series of 10-hryvnia coins dedicated to the Sumy and Chernihiv regions. These releases highlight that the NBU uses numismatics not only as a tool for preserving historical memory but also as a way to support patriotic sentiments and recognize the merits of the country's defenders.

### Contradictory Data

At this time, there is no contradictory data in open sources regarding the coin announcement. All statements made by the head of the NBU, Andriy Pyshny, and Ambassador Andriy Yurash, are consistent with information published in press releases and confirmed by RBK-Ukraine. The only aspect requiring clarification is the technical parameters of the coin, which will be revealed later.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [NBU released another new commemorative coin: denomination and purchase availability (photo)](https://www.unian.net/economics/finance/pamyatnye-monety-nbu-vypustil-eshche-odnu-novuyu-pamyatnuyu-monetu-13226640.html) - Источник подтверждает активность НБУ в выпуске памятных монет в 2026 году, что согласуется с анонсом монеты Иоанна Павлу II.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: When is the release of the John Paul II commemorative coin planned?
**A:** The release of the coin is scheduled for 2026.

### Q: What is the denomination and mintage of the coin?
**A:** Details regarding the denomination and mintage will be announced later.

### Q: Why was this date chosen for the release?
**A:** The coin is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Apostolic visit of John Paul II to Ukraine, which took place in 2001.