Collecting coins, or numismatics, is the most popular type of collecting. Some consider it incorrect to call coin collecting numismatics, since this word denotes the science of the origin and history of coins. However, the essence of the process does not change from this.
There are three main directions of collecting coins: thematic (collecting coins with certain images), collecting commemorative and jubilee coins, podhodovka (coins of a particular country by year and mint, that is, they have certain hallmarks of mints of Russia or another state).
It is worth noting that collecting coins is a very expensive hobby. Ancient specimens can cost hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars. Not everyone can afford to buy a piece of metal for that amount. Commemorative and jubilee coins also have considerable value, since in most cases they are made of precious metals or are produced in limited quantities. That is why among beginner numismatists, the most popular direction of collecting is picking up the weather pellets of the USSR and Russia. But here is not so simple! Even coins of the same state, face value, year of issue and the same condition can have different prices in the market.
Why are some coins more expensive?
For example, in the Russian Federation today there are two mints - in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Both of these enterprises issued coins of the same denomination at the same time period. However, one of the mints could release a limited edition. It is coins minted in a smaller circulation that will have a higher value. Limited series can be explained by the fact that the mint did not have time with minting, and part of the order was transferred to the second. The brands of Russian mints will help determine the manufacturer.
What is a brand?
Mint - a state-owned enterprise engaged in the manufacture of banknotes, orders, medals, commemorative signs, coinage.
Stamp - a sign, a designation of the enterprise on which the coin is made (minted). Letters, monograms, badges, drawings and so on can serve as hallmarks of mints.
As noted earlier, the market value depends on whether the mint - Moscow or St. Petersburg - minted a coin.
The first domestic coin bearing the mint mark is the ruble of 1975, dedicated to the thirtieth anniversary of the Victory in World War II. The monogram (stamp) of the mint is minted at the bottom right of the monument. Subsequently, copper-nickel commemorative coins of the Soviet Union were not stamped with mints. In addition to domestic coins, the stigma of the Russian mint (SPMD - St. Petersburg Mint) is on exchange coins of Tajikistan.
Where are the hallmarks of the mints of Russia located on coins?
In 1991, the stigma of the mints were the letters "M" and "L" - Moscow and Leningrad mints. On Soviet coins, the mark was to the right of the coat of arms. The exception is 5 and 10 kopecks. 1990 g.
On the coins of different minted coins of 1991-1992 (the so-called issue of the State Emergency Committee) there are various signs of mints in Russia. The letter "M" - 10 kopecks, the letter "L" - 50 kopecks, the monogram LMD and MMD - 1 ruble. On coins of this period, the mint marks are located under the denomination.
On all modern coins in circulation, the mints of Russia are indicated (designations - M, MMD, S-P, SPMD). On bargaining coins (1-50 kopecks) under the hoof of a horse can be located S-P or M. The letter "M" is on coins minted by the Moscow Mint, "S" - St. Petersburg.
This principle is also observed on coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rubles. If you look closely, then on the coin to the left under the paw of a two-headed eagle, you can see the monograms of MMD or SPMD (Moscow or St. Petersburg Mint, respectively). However, there are differences here - on the coins of one mint and one year of minting, the mark has a different location relative to the eagle's paws. The market value of products with a bias is slightly higher.
Why are some stamps missing?
It should also be noted that the stigma of the mints of Russia on the coin may not be. Most often, its absence is a manufacturing defect - they simply forgot to put a monogram or letter designation during the manufacture of the stamp. To date, four coins without a stigma are known - 1 ruble in 1993 (dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the birth of Vernadsky), 5 kopecks in 2002 and 2003, 2 rubles in 2001 with the image of Yuri Gagarin (40 years on the first human flight into the space). These coins are quite rare, and therefore have special value for collectors.
As for Soviet coins, almost all of them have no stigma. You can identify the mint in detail by analyzing the coin itself. Some features of the stamp pattern allow you to determine the place of coinage. The most obvious differences are in the letter designation on the coin.
History of the Moscow Mint (brand M, MMD)
In Moscow, the minting of coins was carried out for several centuries, however, the official date of the founding of a modern enterprise is April 25, 1942. In 1995, the mint became part of the Goznak state association. By state order , the Moscow Mint produces orders, medals and coins . Moscow also produces coins for foreign orders and produces medals and badges for private orders. In addition, this mint produces investment and commemorative coins, coins from precious metals.
History of the St. Petersburg Mint (brand L, S-P, SPMD)
The city in which the oldest operating Russian mint is located is St. Petersburg. The Mint was founded in 1724 by Peter I. The Peter and Paul Fortress was chosen as the base. This company is one of the largest mints in the world. The building is also a unique architectural monument and the oldest industrial enterprise in the city. The Mint is engaged in the manufacture of insignia, orders, medals, and the minting of commemorative and jubilee coins, including precious metal coins.