The obverse features the semicircular inscription "НАЦІОНАЛЬНИЙ БАНК УКРАЇНИ," the Small Coat of Arms, and a seagull. The central composition depicts the Varvarivskyi Bridge and a Mykolaiv-built cruiser. Below is an anchor (the 1789 city coeval), under which are the year 2009, the semicircular legend "П'ЯТЬ ГРИВЕНЬ," and the Mint logotype.
The frigate "Saint Nicholas," the first ship built at the Mykolaiv shipyard, is shown against the city's architectural monuments: the Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory and the Staff of the Black Sea Fleet Commander-in-Chief. Above is the city coat of arms with "МИКОЛАЇВ" below; beneath is "РІК ЗАСНУВАННЯ/1789."