Description

Palanok Castle

The coins commemorate Palanok Castle, which is located in the south-western part of the modern town of Mukachevo. This ancient historical monument of military architecture is one of the most notable Central European fortifications, and dates back to the late Middle Ages. The castle, which sits on a volcanic hill, is 188 meters above the sea level and 68 meters above the town’s central area. The castle lies on the crossroads of trade and strategic military routes that ran from the south to the north and from the west to the east, and was built to defend them. For centuries, it faithfully protected the town’s dwellers from enemy attacks. Over the years, the castle has been rebuilt and improved many times.
Obverse: there is a stylized image of the castle’s courtyard; above, against the background of brick entry gates, is Ukraine’s small coat of arms, below which is the legend УКРАЇНА (Ukraine); beneath, against the backdrop of cobblestones, is the coin’s face value – 5; against a smooth background are the following legends: ГРИВЕНЬ (hryvnias) and 2019 (the coin issue year). The nickel silver coin has the mint mark of the NBU’s Banknote Printing and Minting Works (to the right, beneath).
Reverse: above is an image of Palanok Castle; below is a stylized image of a water reflection of the castle’s old version (as depicted on ancient engravings); in the center is a stylized image of a well and ripples produced by an ancient coin that has been thrown into the well; to the left and to the right are the legends ЗАМОК ПАЛАНОК (Palanok Castle); there is a circular ornament made of masonry blocks separated by chains.