The White House Gift Shop, Est. 1946 is honored to present our newest addition to the
Global Historic Moments of the American & Global Presidency Coin Collection

Coin #9
“Snake Island”
Honoring The Ukrainian Resistance Against the Russian Invasion at Snake Island

NOW SCARCE

DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM: THE SNAKE ISLAND VALOR COIN

To honor the bravery and resilience shown by the Ukrainian defenders at Snake Island, the United States White House Gift Shop, established in 1946, proudly presents Coin #9 in its series honoring Ukrainian resistance. This exquisite coin commemorates the defiant response of the Ukrainian soldiers, symbolizing the broader Ukrainian struggle against the Russian invasion.

A Tribute to Extrordinary Courage

The Snake Island Commemorative Coin serves as a tribute to the extraordinary courage displayed on February 24, 2022, when a small contingent of Ukrainian border guards, stationed on Snake Island in the Black Sea, stood their ground against overwhelming odds. Their iconic response, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," echoed around the world, becoming a symbol of defiance and resilience. This coin captures that historic moment and the subsequent efforts to reclaim and defend Ukrainian territory.

Features

• Elegant, Distinguished Design: Each coin is meticulously crafted to commemorate the heroes of Ukraine, featuring intricate details that highlight the significance of their stand.

• Large Diameter: At 2.25 inches, the coin's substantial size ensures that this historic moment is depicted with clarity and prominence.

• Elegant Presentation Case: The coin comes encased in a luxurious velvet presentation case, accompanied by a two-piece outer box, both adorned with the gold-embossed seal of the White House.

• Certificate of Authenticity: Each coin includes a parchment certificate of authenticity, detailing the historical significance of the event.

• Edge Numbered: Every coin is individually edge numbered, ensuring its place in this limited edition series.

• Limited Edition: This commemorative coin is a limited edition, making it a unique collector's item that honors a key moment in contemporary history. By owning this coin, you not only commemorate the valor of the Ukrainian defenders but also support the enduring spirit of resistance and freedom.

• Order Yours Today: Celebrate and remember the bravery of the Ukrainian soldiers who defended Snake Island with unwavering resolve. The Snake Island Commemorative Coin from the White House Gift Shop is a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of freedom. Order yours today and be a part of this historic tribute.

Background of Snake Island

Snake Island, also known as Zmiinyi Island, is a small but strategically significant piece of land in the Black Sea. Its history dates back to classical antiquity, being referred to as Leuke or White Island by the Greeks, who dedicated it to Achilles. It has been a part of various territorial disputes, most notably between Ukraine and Romania following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. This dispute was eventually resolved in 2009 by the International Court of Justice, which determined the maritime boundaries but affirmed Ukraine's sovereignty over the island.

The Russian Invasion on February 24, 2022

On the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, February 24, 2022, Russian naval forces, including the cruiser Moskva and the patrol ship Vasily Bykov, attacked Snake Island. The island's Ukrainian defenders, a small contingent of border guards, were famously commanded to surrender by the Russian warship. In a defiant and now iconic response, one Ukrainian soldier replied, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself." Initially, it was believed that all the defenders were killed in the attack, a claim later corrected when it was revealed they had been captured along with a civilian search and rescue ship crew that tried to evacuate them.

Subsequent Events

Following the capture of Snake Island, the Ukrainian military launched a determined campaign to reclaim it. Using advanced Western-supplied weapons, including HIMARS rocket systems, Ukraine was able to significantly damage Russian forces and installations on the island. On June 30, 2022, after sustaining heavy losses and facing continuous Ukrainian strikes, Russian forces withdrew from Snake Island. This withdrawal marked a significant symbolic and strategic victory for Ukraine, enabling better control over the northwestern Black Sea and demonstrating the effectiveness of international military support.

Snake Island's defense has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and resilience. The defiant phrase uttered by the island's defenders has inspired not only Ukrainians but also people around the world who support Ukraine's sovereignty and right to self-determination. The commemorative coin issued by the White House Gift Shop stands as a testament to this indomitable spirit and the ongoing fight for freedom and peace in Ukraine.

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Includes a full parchment certificate of authenticity and appreciation, featuring a hand-entered coin number under seal with the initials of the CEO/series creator and chief designer. This ensures "absolute authentication" of your heirloom, historical commemorative tribute coin from the only official United States White House Gift Shop, protected by multiple United States trademarks!