Coins with a face value of 3 kopeks of 1924 are actively collected today by collectors. The price of them is growing steadily, and in the market of old coins they are considered a good investment. Single items are already becoming a collector's rarity, for which collectors arrange a real hunt.
From Altyn to Three Kopeks
In 1924, the regular issue of coins of the USSR began. Since 3 kopecks, despite their low importance, still had weight when making purchases, they were actively put into circulation, maintaining the old face value. It was first introduced back in 1839 by decree of Nicholas the First. The nominal value of 3 kopecks from the old altyn was calculated, which was equal to three "Novgorod".
3 kopecks in 1924 became a successful bargaining chip, which existed until the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Material and dimensions
Coin 3 kopecks of 1924 was issued exclusively from copper. She weighed 9.8 grams, and in diameter was equal to 27.7 millimeters. A heavy and very impressive size metal disk was inconvenient to handle from a practical point of view. Within two years, both the weight and size of the coin decreased significantly.
These parameters are one of the indicators of coin authenticity. The characteristic reddish shade of 3 kopecks in 1924 with a yellow-brown earthy patina is also one of the signs of their originality. In the year of their release, only the search for optimal alloys for minting was in progress, and the early Soviet coins of 3 and 5 kopecks in denomination were made of red copper. However, this material turned out to be unprofitable, and it was quickly abandoned.
The very next year, red copper in coins of small denomination was replaced by an alloy of aluminum bronze. Coins of large denomination continued to be minted from silver. However, the saving of state resources forced to abandon this and replace the precious metal with cheaper and more economical nickel.
Design features of the coin 3 kopeks 1924
The year 1924 was marked by the release of the first copper coins of the Soviet Union. Like other face values of that time, the obverse of the “three rubles” adorns the coat of arms of the new state. The central part is filled with the image of the globe with crossed sickle and hammer. Wheat ears tied with a ribbon bend around it on both sides. The ribbon wraps around each bundle three times and bandages it in the middle. The rays of the rising from a bunch of suns illuminate the globe. Above it, between the converging ends of the ears, a star is depicted.
In the lower part under the wreath of ears, the abbreviation "USSR" in capital letters through a dot. The coat of arms is surrounded by a thin rim. Between it and the edge of the coin a large, well-readable font is engraved: “Workers of all countries, unite!”
The face value of the coin on the reverse is indicated by the number "3". It occupies almost half the diameter of the disk and is framed by two spikelets intertwined from below. Their stems form a circular rim of reverse. Under the number is located in two rows the inscription "penny 1924" with smaller rounded characters. Below the date is a decorative dot.
In general, 3 kopecks of 1924 do not differ in their original design. Nevertheless, there are nuances in it that significantly affect its price. Most of the first three-coin coins were issued with a smooth edge. However, a small edition with a ribbed edge was made. Today, this option is considered a numismatic rarity and significantly exceeds the price of other copies. The exact circulation of these coins, as well as coins with a smooth edge, remains unknown.
Cost and forecasts
How much are 3 kopecks of 1924? Currently, their price is constantly growing. The cost of an ordinary coin starts from 500 rubles. The price of a rare specimen with a ribbed edge on average is 38-40 thousand rubles.
The final price is affected by a number of factors, such as condition, cleaning and other interventions, demand. First of all, the cost is determined by the degree of wear of the disk. In total, the numismatic state assessment scale includes seven gradations:
- Excellent (Uncirculated, UNC).
- Almost Excellent (About Uncirculated, AU).
- Excellent (Extremely Fine, XF).
- Very good (Very Fine, VF).
- Good (Fine, F).
- Fair (Very Good, VG).
- Weak (Good, G).
There are no copies of 3 kopecks of 1924 in the category "Excellent" on the market of ancient coins. These include coins that were not in circulation, that is, in perfect condition, and there were none among them. Typically, the safety of the proposed samples varies from “Almost excellent” to “Good”. Instances of “Satisfactory” and “Weak” do not represent numismatic value, so serious dealers and auction houses do not accept such samples for sale.