Step (monetary unit)

Step - the Ukrainian name of the Polish-Lithuanian silver coin of the XVII — XVIII centuries. worth three pennies ( triple ), issued since 1528 . In Russia, 1 step corresponded to 2 kopecks , as a result of which the name passed to Russian copper coin in denominations of 2 kopecks. Since 1839, in connection with the formation of the silver ruble as the main monetary unit of Russia, the name was transferred to 1/2 kopecks. “Silver” and as such was preserved until 1917, being widespread in the regions of Right-Bank Ukraine.

Since the time of the Central Rada , the history of the first Ukrainian brands with a face value in steps originates. Initially, they were only conceived as postal thumbnails. But over time, due to the lack of a small bargaining chip, following the example of the Russian authorities, on the basis of the UPR law of April 18, 1918, they began to be used as stamps and money at the same time. Grade paper was used coarse, more convenient for continuous use. But these mark-steps appeared in circulation after the fall of the Central Council. Change tickets with face values ​​of 10 , 20, 30, 40 and 50 steps were issued in the UNR . 1 step was equal to 1/100 hryvnia or 1/200 karbovanets .

In 1992, trial Ukrainian coins were issued: 1 step and 50 steps, but this denomination was not approved ^[1] . There was a lot of controversy around the future name of the bargaining chip. Some believed that the “penny” is an exclusively Russian word, and it is not suitable for independent Ukraine . Options were proposed: "honeycomb", "rezan" ^[2] . There were suggestions to even call the bargaining chip "list". And yet, on March 2, 1992, by a resolution of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of Ukraine, the name of the bargaining chip was approved - a penny (penny).

Steps 1918 release. Designers Anton Sereda and George Narbut .