The coins are round in shape with the raised rim on the obverse and the reverse. The coins’ edge is grained.
The obverse: at the top – the relief image of the State Coat of Arms of the Republic of Belarus; in the center – the representation of a small bird held in the palms of hands, beneath – the year of issue; and circumferential inscriptions: at the top – РЭСПУБЛІКА БЕЛАРУСЬ (THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS) and at the bottom – 1 РУБЕЛЬ (1 RUBLE).
The reverse: the relief image of the Great White Egret (it has been named bird of the year 2008); and circumferential inscriptions: at the top – ПТУШКА ГОДА (BIRD OF THE YEAR), and at the bottom – ВЯЛІКАЯ БЕЛАЯ ЧАПЛЯ (GREAT WHITE EGRET).