Silver coins of Tsarist Russia are of particular value to numismatists around the world. Collecting silver rubles in pre-revolutionary Russia allows not only to plunge into the fascinating world of past centuries, but also to become the owner of an object of historical significance. In some cases, a successfully acquired copy is a successful way of investing. The cost and demand for rare samples of monetary units of the period of the Russian Empire are increasing every year. For a profitable investment in collectibles, it is necessary not only to have an idea of the peculiarities of the antique money market , but also to understand numismatics, be interested in history and distinguish rare silver rubles from simple and common coins.
Coins in the era from Peter I to Paul I
Under Peter I, the mass production of money from silver began, while their appearance was significantly changed. During the reign of Peter II and Paul I, coins were minted with a cross-shaped monogram, consisting of the first letters of the name of the emperor.
The beginning of the reign of Peter I’s niece, Anna Ioannovna, is marked by the minting of new silver rubles, popularly called “Anna with a chain”. Currently, it is one of the most valuable and expensive Russian silver coins.
Silver coins of Tsarist Russia during the reign of Catherine II were minted in large numbers at various denominations. The price of 1 ruble of 1762, depending on the degree of preservation, may exceed 100,000 rubles.
Silver coins of Tsarist Russia: from Alexander I to Alexander III
During the reign of Alexander I, the appearance of silver money changed significantly. Now there is no indication of the identity of the sovereign, but the inscription “State Russian coin” appears. The cost of an instance with a face value of 1 ruble in 1802, depending on its condition, exceeds 200,000 rubles at auctions. Due to the large volume of issue, the money was minted in different stamps. Because of this, rubles from one yard, but issued at different times, are significantly different, some of them are very rare and valuable now.
After the death of Nicholas I, the heir to the throne was not immediately determined, due to which the “Konstantinovsky ruble” appeared.
Silver coins during the reign of Nicholas II
During the monetary reform, the silver ruble became a means of payment attached to the gold ruble. At the same time, silver coins of Tsarist Russia during this period were objects of real art. On one side was depicted the profile of the king, executed at the highest level of skill. On the other side is the double-headed eagle, the year in which the currency was issued, and its face value. After the revolution, stamps for minting were stolen, which led to a large flow of fake rubles.
The most expensive and rare silver coins of Tsarist Russia
The definition of a coin as the most expensive and rare is somewhat arbitrary, as information can always appear on the appearance on the numismatic market of an even more unique instance.
The cost of 1 ruble of 1730 reaches $ 700,000. On one side of it is a portrait of Empress Anna Ioannovna, and on the back, surrounded by a chain of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, a two-headed eagle with three imperial crowns is depicted. In total, three such specimens are known.
Another coin, with a face value of 1 ruble in 1861, was sold for 1,400,000 rubles. Its circulation was quite large, but at the same time, the cost of a highly preserved specimen exceeds a million rubles.
The price of the coin, also called the "Konstantinovsky ruble", issued in 1825, reaches $ 100,000. The motive of coinage is not precisely defined, as well as whose profile is depicted on the ruble. According to one version, an error occurred at the mint, according to another, the ruble was minted on the eve of the coronation of Konstantin Pavlovich.
Among the rare and expensive coins is a Polish thaler with a face value of 1 ruble in 1705, which was minted by decree of Peter I. Copies with an error in the date are especially valued, their value can reach 1,500,000 rubles.
The special value of silver coins of Tsarist Russia
Silver coins of Tsarist Russia attract collectors from all over the world not only with historical and cultural significance, but also with a variety of rare and valuable items, the price of which at auctions exceeds several million. Many silver rubles are made with highly artistic skill, they have become objects of art. In addition, the quality and level of coinage in Russia in the period of 17-18 centuries is much higher than in other European countries.
Of particular interest to numismatists are certain remodelers - specially for collectors minted copies of previously issued rubles minted by the Mint. The circulation of copies of coins of the 17th century, issued in the 19th century, is very small, their value increases every year.
Coin acquisition as a profitable investment
Collecting gold and silver coins of Tsarist Russia, one can not only study the history and culture of the country, but also invest money with profit. Tsar rubles are growing in value every year. They are of interest not only in the numismatist market in Russia, but also abroad, where gold and silver coins of tsarist Russia are 20-30% more expensive.
Investments in coins not only generate income, sometimes exceeding the profit from other types of investments, but also are stable. According to experts, the attractiveness of the numismatics market for investors will only grow. In order to invest money profitably, it is necessary not only to understand numismatics, but also to know the features of this type of investment:
- the period for which the coin is purchased must not be less than 2 years;
- to obtain income, you need to look for rare and valuable specimens;
- collected collections on a particular topic bring higher income, since their cost is much more than the price of a set of coins individually.
Cost estimate
The cost of the tsar ruble is determined by its rarity and level of preservation. There are also specimens, the demand for which significantly exceeds the supply on the market, which also increases the price. Therefore, when evaluating, it is necessary to pay attention to precisely these parameters.
In order to determine the value of an existing coin, you can contact specialized companies by sending them a photo of the silver ruble or by visiting the office of the company. In addition, you can determine the value yourself on auction sites and forums, which usually houses a catalog indicating the cost.
How to sell coins profitably
After assessing the cost, you can begin to search for potential buyers, which can be found among professional numismatists and collectors, special companies and intermediaries. At the same time, you should pay attention to the reputation of the buyer. Information about the trustworthiness of the numismatist, a particular company engaged in the purchase of coins, can be found on special sites and forums.
To find a buyer of a valuable and rare coin, it is best to turn to large online auctions, such as Russian Coin, Volmar and others, where investment companies, reliable buyers from Russia and Europe are represented.
To implement a less rare instance, you can turn to auctions in various forums. There are also specialized stores, but, as a rule, they acquire valuable rubles at a lower cost.
Fake coins. Signs
Due to the high cost and constantly growing demand, there is a risk of acquiring a fake silver coins of Tsarist Russia. You can protect yourself from fakes by observing certain rules. In order not to buy fake silver coins of Tsarist Russia, it is necessary to check the certificate of authenticity. In addition, many auctions are subject to additional examination. Some fakes can be determined independently, but for this it is necessary to consider in detail the design of the ruble of the pre-revolutionary period, which is impossible when buying on the Internet or from the catalog. Recently, increasingly began to fake silver coins of Tsarist Russia. Photos in catalogs and on Internet sites do not always accurately show those parts of the silver ruble that need to be examined in detail to determine falsification. Be careful.
At the same time, do not confuse fake copies of silver coins of Tsarist Russia with remodels that were specially produced by the Mint for collectors at a later date.
When buying royal rubles, you need to pay attention to the following signs:
- the presence of foreign metal near damage and abrasions;
- metal shine features;
- features of coinage ;
- the presence of engraving;
- the clarity of the inscriptions, the peculiarity of the writing of alphanumeric characters.
The weight and size of the coin must match the weight and size of genuine coins of the same type.