Moneta's Temple and Gallery

Russia - RSFSR Hammer & Plow

Moneta — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 10:09:01 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Before the Hammer & Sickle was adopted as an appropriate symbol for the vanguard of Marxism (Socialism and Communism) the original symbol was the Hammer and Plow. After a search of many years I finally found an example in numismatic form. There are about 150 different chest medals manufactured post the February 1917 revolution. Many of them feature a female figure, like a Russian Liberty, and they are found in various metals, including silver. Inscriptions are along the line of “Long live freedom and equality” ; "Free Russia" & "Long live the democratic republic." All are very scarce. The type here is described as the last of the series of medals issued. I've seen photos of a complete medal that came with another metal loop and red ribbon mounted on metal base for wearing on the chest. I've seen some, like the one I have, with the loop missing and the medal having been holed. Here I'm showing a nice example from the Internet. The obverse legend here is: "Comrades! Lets tell all the world about Socialism! [7/XI 1918.; Медаль СССР - Оповестим Мир о Социализме]. Here the date is meant to represent 7 November, 1918. The reverse has been described as Lenin, presumably reentering Russia through Finland, that's unknown, but the medal generally depicts symbolic figures of a worker and a peasant, with an intellectual illuminating the road with a torch. This very scarce medal was issued on the upcoming 1st Anniversary of the October 1917 Revolution. Made of bronze, it's 6.3g 28mm. Use the following Russian page to read more about this fascinating series of early Soviet medals, then use the browser 'TRANSLATE' function: http://narkop.ru/atribucija/faleristika/zabytye-zhetony/

USSR - 15 Kopeks 1932

Moneta — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 16:09:48 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: A nice design of the USSR period, struck between 1931 & 1934, with the last year the key date. 136 M struck for this 1932 year, varieties exist. The same design can also be seen on the 10 & 20 Kopeks with similar mintages.

RUSSIAN SOVIET FEDERATED SOCIALIST REPUBLIC~1 Ruble 1922

Zantetsuken — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:10:12 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

Description: Two-year type *RARE*

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS~5 Kopek 1926

Zantetsuken — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:08:13 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS~3 Kopek 1936

Zantetsuken — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:07:09 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS~2 Kopek 1955

Zantetsuken — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:06:03 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS~2 Kopek 1924

Zantetsuken — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:04:43 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS~1 Kopek 1929

Zantetsuken — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:03:27 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

RUSSIAN SOVIET FEDERATED SOCIALIST REPUBLIC~1 Poltinnik 1923 Proof

Zantetsuken — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 18:58:44 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

Description: Facsimile Proof: Replica of proposed design of the 1923 Poltinnik for the Russian S.F.S.R..

2 comments

USSR 20m Kopeks 1936

Moneta — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:23:37 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Varieties exist and these are described in Russian publications. This is a two year issue with similar designs before and after. Photos in KM do not distinguish the varieties. Hard to find in high grades.

USSR 10 Kopeks 1940

Moneta — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:18:35 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: These are not that common in higher grades. Varieties exist and these a probably described in Russian publications. Issues before and after this 1937 - 46 type look very similar.

USSR Gold Trade Chervonetz

Moneta — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 15:27:49 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This is an example of the restrike 10 Rouble Chervonetz types - this from 1977. In 1923 the Soviet authorities resurrected the old Slavic name for Ducat, Chervonetz, for their 10 Ruble coin. It still retains the original design of the 1923 [see the Moneta Museum for an example] under the RSFSR. While listed in catalogs as "Bullion value +", you actually don't see a lot of these for sale.

USSR - Engels

Moneta — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:59:45 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: 165th Anniversary of the birth of Friedrich Engels of the famous duo Marx and Engels. Engels actually is responsible for the "Communist Manifesto" but Marx gained fame for being more active rather than just economically philosophical.

RUSSIAN SOVIET FEDERATED SOCIALIST REPUBLIC~1 Ruble 1921

Zantetsuken — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:57:21 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

RUSSIAN SOVIET FEDERATED SOCIALIST REPUBLIC~1 Chervonets 1976

Zantetsuken — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:54:20 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

Description: Gold coinage reusing the original design from 1923. Issued during the administration of Leonid Brezhnev.

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS~1/2 Kopek 1928

Zantetsuken — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:50:14 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

Description: Last issue date.

1 Kopeck - RSFSR

Moneta — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:18:06 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: R.S.F.S.R. ( Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic - 1921 to 1923) OK, as part of my study of the origins and use of the Hammer & Sickle symbol I included three examples of paper money here in the Moneta Museum. A comprehensive web site on Russian bank notes list this type as issued in 1919, the earliest Soviet type Hammer & Sickle money I have found so far.

2 Kopeck - RSFSR

Moneta — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:15:55 -0700

3 Kopecks - 1919

Moneta — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:08:27 -0700

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS~1 Ruble 1924

Zantetsuken — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 06:07:58 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

Description: First Ruble coin issued for the U.S.S.R. and the last until 1964.

USSR 1 Kopek 1924

Moneta — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:59:01 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: First year of issue and 2 year variety. Reeded edge; plain edge is v. scarce. This one is uncommon too in this condition. Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

USSR 2 Kopeks 1924

Moneta — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:53:14 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Reeded edge variety. First year of issue! In this case (vs. 3 K) the reeded edge is by far the most common. Uncommon in this condition. However, it does have a rim bruise and a finger print. Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

USSR 3 Kopeks 1924

Moneta — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:48:30 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Plain edge variety. Needs to be re-imaged. Varieties exist. Reeded (v. scarce) and non-reeded issues had 101.3 M struck. Uncirculated examples are not common. Photo makes it appear cleaned - it has not been and the photo needs to be re-done. Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

USSR 20 Kopeks 1928

Moneta — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:47:12 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: C.C.C.P. - Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - regular issue. This design lasted from 1924 to 1931, the last year is rare. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

USSR 15 Kopeks 1928

Moneta — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:44:15 -0700

USSR 10 Kopeks 1928

Moneta — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:40:26 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - regular issue. This design lasted from 1924 to 1931, the last year is rare. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

RFSSR 20 K. 1923

Moneta — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:34:51 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic. This was the precursor to the USSR from during 1921 -1923. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

RFSSR 15 K. 1923

Moneta — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:32:00 -0700

RFSSR 10 K. 1922

Moneta — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:29:05 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic. This was the precursor to the USSR from 1921 -1923. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

USSR 1/2 Kopek - 1925

Moneta — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:21:32 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Seldom seen & first year of issue. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

USSR 50 Kopeks 1924

Moneta — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 14:53:57 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Another of the 'iconographic' series of Soviet Russian coins of the early years of the USSR. First year issue the the T.P. mintmark of London Mint (Thomas Ross - mintmaster). This early type still has the old Russian weight units on the edge. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

RSFSR Star Rouble

Moneta — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 14:36:40 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: A wonderful 'Star' Rouble of the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republics (RSFSR). This is the first year of issue of any coin after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Be sure to see the rare 1917 15 Kopek piece in the Gallery, the last issue of the Russian Empire. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

RSFSR Star 50 Kopek

Moneta — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 14:27:21 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 50 Kopeks of the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic. Proof-like and absolutely gorgeous! This Republic was a precursor to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics that was broken up into the Commonwealth of Independent States in 1991. The last hold-out using the traditional Soviet Russian reverse theme is the 'Transnistria Moldavian Republic'. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

RSFSR Chervonetz - 10 Rouble 1923

Moneta — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 12:12:08 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Listed as 'Trade Coinage' under the predecessor Soviet system before the USSR [RSFSR], this Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic coin is a 10 Rouble gold coin struck in 1923, the first year of issue. In 1923 the Soviet authorities resurrected the old Slavic name for Ducat, Chervonetz, for their 10 Ruble coin. There is only one specimen of this type of coin struck in 1925 under the USSR. These were later re-struck beginning in 1975-82. This is the scarce 1923 issue, better in hand than the photo, this specimen is NGC MS65, they are also found in proof and are highly sought after. The early Soviet period saw massive inflation, similar to what was happening in Germany post WWI. The response was also similar, and the only practical way to shore up fiat paper money, that being to back your money with gold and silver bank reserves. Lenin, the philosophical and political leader of the RSFSR had this to say to the Politburo on March 19, 1922, Lenin wrote: "With the help of all those starving people who are starting to eat each other, who are dying by the millions, and whose bodies litter the roadside all over the country, it is now and only now that we can — and therefore must — confiscate all church property with all the ruthless energy we can still muster. This is precisely the moment the masses will support us most fervently, and rise up against the … religious conspirators." “Think of how rich some of those monasteries are,” he wrote. “We must have those hundreds of millions (or even billions) of rubles” to consolidate Soviet strength. The theft, he urged, should take place with “the sort of brutality that they will remember for decades.” The Bolsheviks seized at least 2.5 billion rubles of gold from Russian churches and spent one million rubles on grain in 1922. The same year, Orthodox Church records show that 2,691 priests, 1,962 monks and 3,447 nuns were murdered. Having been deprived its property, and the people of their means of self-defense, the church entered a period so typified by persecution that it created an entire class of “New Martyrs” to commemorate the victims. The number of Orthodox churches plunged from as many as 50,000 before the revolution to 500 by 1940, and other faith communities suffered similar decimation. [ from the 'American Spectator'; internet accessed from: spectator.org/its-time-to-bury-the-executioner-lenin-for-good/ ; Jun 16, 2019] Wikipedia has the following on the gold 10 Rouble Chervonetz: 'Simultaneously with the release of paper chervonets, in October 1922 a decision was made to issue chervonetz in the form of coins. According to its weight characteristics (8.6 g, .900 pure) and the size of the chervonetz, it fully corresponded to the pre-revolutionary coin of 10 rubles. The artist of the drawing was the chief medalist of the mint, A.F. Vasyutinskiy (also the author of the final version of the Order of Lenin and the first badge of the TRP ). The face side of the coin depicted the emblem of the RSFSR; on the reverse was a farmer-sower, modeled from the sculpture, I.D. Shadra (the model was two peasants in the village of Pragovaya Shadrinsky Perfiliya Petrovich Kalganov and Kipriyan Kirillovich Avdeev), which now are in the Tretyakov Gallery. All the Chervonetz of this period are dated from 1923. Metal chervonets were mainly used by the Soviet government for foreign trade operations, but some of the coins also had circulation within Russia. Coins were usually issued in Moscow and from there spread throughout the country. With the beginning of the issue of metal gold chervonets for calculations with foreign countries, this incident is connected: Western countries have resolutely refused to accept these coins, since they depicted Soviet symbols. The solution was found instantly - the Soviet Mint began issuing a gold Chervonetz sample of Nicholas II, unconditionally accepted abroad. Thus, the Soviet government bought the necessary goods abroad for coins depicting the deposed tsar.' The last sentence is interesting since the sources I have show the last gold 10 Roubles of Czar Nicholas II being struck in 1911 and no other gold 'trade coinage' issued in the RSFSR or USSR other than that described here. If this is true then many of the Nicholas 10 Roubles retained a previous date but were struck in 1923 or shortly thereafter. In fact there is the possibility that many RSFSR Chervonetz [KM says 2.751 M were struck] were recoined into Nicholas II 10 Roubles, explaining why the 1923 issue is actually so scarce. OBVERSE: National coat of arms (hammer and sickle) in front of the rising sun on a scroll document surrounded by barley ears. Lettering: ПРОЛЕТАРИИ ВСЕХ СТРАН, СОЕДИНЯЙТЕСЬ ! Р.С.Ф.С.Р. [Translation: Workers of the world, unite! RSFSR (Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic) REVERSE: Farmer sowing seeds with plough in front of an industrial skyline and the rising sun. Lettering: ОДИН ЧЕРВОНЕЦ 1923 [Translation: One Chervonets] EDGE: Smooth with engraving: 1 ЗОЛОТНИК 78.24 ДОЛИ (ММД) ЧИСТОГО ЗОЛОТА [Translation: 1 zolotnik 78.24 parts (MMD) pure gold].

3 comments

USSR Rouble 1924

Moneta — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 11:58:09 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This wonderful design shows the glorious new day promised to the workers of the new Marxist regime, impressive. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03

USSR 5 Kopek 1924

Moneta — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 11:46:58 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: First year of issue (USSR) for this scarce, red-brown, example of 1924. Varieties exists but a specialized book and knowledge would be required to distinguish them. This one is not reeded on the edge, reeded varieties are rare. This is currently rated the highest on the PCGS site, you can see their photo at this https://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/37311334_167788187_max.jpg The actual coin is redder than their photo indicates, not as dark. For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at: Russian Coins - 1000 Years: http://snk.to/f-chnsol03