A grotesque circular composition of "The Story-Teller and Listeners" from "Evenings on a Farm Near Dykanka" frames a central portrait of Gogol holding a quill. Above are the Ukrainian Small Coat of Arms and the inscription "НАЦІОНАЛЬНИЙ БАНК УКРАЇНИ"; below is the denomination "50 ГРИВЕНЬ".
A circular grotesque composition depicts "Christmas Eve," centered on a Christmas Star with a candle. The candle's flame is a yellow sapphire, and below the star is the semicircular inscription: НІЧ ПЕРЕД РІЗДВОМ.