Russia focuses on big chunks
May 6th, 2010 – Since 1995, Russia is one the countries that issue heavy coins. The list of commemorative coins of one kilogram issued by the Central Bank of Russia contains 41 silver pieces and 18 golden ones.
275th Anniversary of the Saint Petersburg Mint. 3 kg silver coin.
In 1999, that was not enough. On the occasion of the 275th anniversary of the Saint Petersburg Mint the Central bank issued the first Russian 3 kg silver coin (Ag 900). The denomination was 900 roubles, it had a diameter of 130 mm and a thickness of 27.5 mm. The mintage was 150 pieces. Today, this issue is an absolute favourite amongst collectors. According to a catalogue of a collector’s club at Moscow from the beginning of this year, its price has risen to 650.000 roubles equalling at present more than 16.000 Euros, i.e. more than 10 times of the material value.
190th Anniversary of GOZNAK.
In 2008, the big weight war in Russian coining began. On the occasion of the 190th anniversary of GOZNAK, a branch of the Ministry of Finance, administrating the entire production of notes and coins, a 3 kg gold coin was issued (denomination: 25.000 roubles, Au 999, diameter 120 mm, thickness 16 mm, mintage 50 pieces).
The History of Russian Currency.
In 2009 the second 3 kg gold coin was struck. It was dedicated to the history of the Russian Currency.
150th Anniversary of the Bank of Russia.
This year, the Central Bank of Russia follows. On the occasion of its 150th anniversary a 5 kg gold coin was issued on February 1st, 2010 (denomination: 50.000 roubles, Au 999, diameter 130 mm, thickness 23 mm, mintage 50 pieces). No one, however, has seen a specimen of these giants as of now because they continue to be stored at the Central bank waiting for the beginning of the official celebrations at the end of May.
Mint, GOZNAK and, now, the Central Bank of Russia – this little chronicle may arouse suspicion in an attentive observer that we owe these gigantic coins first and foremost to the competition of the different departments involved in coining.
Vasily Gerasimov