On 20 July 2016, the National Bank of Ukraine began circulating 10 and 2 hryvnia commemorative `Lady`s Slipper Orchid` coins dedicated to the endangered perennial plant of the Orchid family Orchidaceae. The plant is on Ukraine`s list of endangered species. This pretty flower, whose distinctive shape resembles that of Oriental shoes, is one of the most famous orchids in the Northern Hemisphere.

The coin of 10 hryvnia face value has been made of silver; quality – “proof”, weight in fineness – 31.1 g, diameter – 38.6 mm, mintage – 3 000 pieces. The coin edge is smooth with in-depth legends: Ag 925 (metal and fineness), 31.1 (weight in fineness), NBU Mint logo.

On the obverse of the coin, within a wreath formed by images of some flora and fauna species, there are the Small Coat of Arms of Ukraine and the inscriptions: on the silver coin - УКРАЇНА/10/ГРИВЕНЬ/2016.

On the reverse, there is the image of the Lady`s Slipper Orchid (on the German (Ag) silver coin - color images, using pad printing) and semicircle legends: ЗОЗУЛИНІ ЧЕРЕВИЧКИ СПРАВЖНІ (Lady`s Slipper Orchid) (above) and CYPRIPEDIUM CALCEOLUS L. (below).

Source of information: National Bank of Ukraine www.bank.gov.ua