Where can you buy or sell
During the reign of the last of the Romanov dynasty - Nicholas II. Today, the hero of my new article is the largest of the current currency of the time, a 15-ruble gold banknote issued in 1897.
For a coin in denomination of 15 rubles in 1897 (gold), the price today fluctuates greatly depending on the degree of its preservation. More on this with a table for calculating the cost, other features, methods of buying and selling and the investment attractiveness of a collectible coin later in the material.
The very emergence of an unusual denomination is due to the devaluation of the monetary unit of tsarist Russia at that time. By the time Nicholas II ascended the throne, there was an urgent need for reforms in the economy and industry. The first step towards strengthening the power of the Russian Empire was the concept of changes in monetary circulation. Gold comes out on top instead of silver, and commodity prices are adjusted for inflation. The volume of paper money is shrinking, giving way to that backed by full-fledged gold.
Paper credit tickets can be exchanged for precious metal in accordance with the face value in any of the banks in unlimited quantities. To ensure the required volume of money supply, new money has been issued. For the first time in the history of Russia, gold coins are minted in millions of copies.
Nikolaev gold coins with a denomination of 15 rubles were minted only once, in 1897.
Coin characteristics
Appearance and design
Coin decoration 15 p. 1897 was executed by the main medalist of the empire - Alexander Fedorovich Vasyutinsky. He also made sketches of stamps for all other denominations. The banknotes of his work in the circle of numismatists are still among the most beautiful and highly artistic specimens, and their price is constantly growing.
Obverse
The obverse, or obverse, is a portrait of Nicholas II (profile view), indicating the name and title of the Most Serene Person. The inscription surrounds the image of the king with two arcs.
Reverse
The reverse side, or reverse, is the small coat of arms of the great empire, as well as the coat of arms of the eight provinces that are part of the state. Along the bottom edge - the denomination of 15 rubles and the date of minting - 1897.
Edge
On the end part 15 rubles. 1897 the weight of pure metal (2 spools, 69.36 shares) and the initials of the mint manager (AG) are engraved in gold.
Varieties of coins
Today, there are three types of obverse 15 rubles 1897 - the main and two trial versions. The prices for the last two samples are among the highest. All three varieties are shown in the photo.
- The last 2 letters of the word "all-Russian." go beyond the image of the king's neck.
- Test coin, small portrait of the emperor, 4 last letters behind the edge of the neck.
- Trial copy, large portrait of the emperor, 4 last letters behind the edge of the neck.
Where can you buy or sell
The first and most common version of a gold coin today can be easily found at auctions. The most famous international auction houses today: Auction world, HERITAGE AUCTION GALLERIES, Westfälische Auktions. In Russia, these are Empire, Rarity, Rare coins and others. The price of a copy in excellent condition is almost twice the price of gold.
The price tag for the other two, trial samples starts at several million rubles. Cases of selling coins are rare, and how much one of these coins costs today is anyone's guess.
Price table according to condition
The price of gold in coins can be calculated based on the mass of pure metal: 11.61 g.
Conclusion
Investments in rare items, in contrast to the purchase of commemorative and investment items, in addition to solid capital (the price for them is considerable) today also require deep knowledge in the field of history, as well as remarkable luck.
Such capital, without exaggeration, is a solid contribution to the future, since it belongs to the category. These things have a high price tag and are not meant to be the subject of market speculation - too specific.
I will be glad if the article was useful to you, and with pleasure I will continue to replenish our piggy bank with new precious items. Until next time!
Gold coins in denominations of 15 rubles were issued over three years - 1897, 1898 and 1899. However, all monetary units bear the date 1897. At the very beginning of their appearance, such coins went on a par with paper bills, but later, namely at the beginning of the 20th century, paper equivalents almost completely replaced coins. Unfortunately, it is rare today to get hold of well-preserved fifteen-ruble coins of that time.
To date, the average cost of coins at auctions is as follows:
Let's take a closer look at the varieties of these coins. 
15 rubles 1897 (SS)
In this copy, the letters SS are placed behind the edge of the neck of Nicholas 2. Below are the parameters of the gold coin.
The initials on the edge "AG" refer to the Mintzmeister Apollo Grashof, who oversaw the minting of fifteen-ruble coins. Due to the impressive circulation, it is now easy to acquire a copy for your collection.
- The obverse of the coin is a double-headed eagle, and under it is the designation of the denomination of 15 rubles, stylized in the Old Russian script, as well as the year of issue. A decorative bezel is engraved on the edges.
- Reverse of the coin: profile of Nicholas 2 looking to the left with the inscription “B.М. Nicholas II Emperor and autocrat of All Russia. "
Cost 15 rubles 1897 (SS) from 35,000 to 50,000 rubles
15 rubles 1897 (OSS)
In this version, behind the edge of the emperor's neck, there are three letters - OSS. In all other respects, the coin is absolutely identical to the previous considered option.
It is worth noting that after the Decree "On the minting and issuance of gold coins" was issued, monetary units were issued exclusively from 900 gold. Under Nicholas II, coins were minted, consisting of 90% gold and 10% copper, due to which it is distinguished by its iconic reddish juicy color. This alloy is often called "pure gold". The other ligature should not be present in genuine Nikolaev coins.
Cost 15 rubles 1897 (OSS) from 36,000 to 60,000 rubles
15 rubles (trial)
Test fifteen-ruble coins are single copies, which are extremely rare, the cost of which is estimated at several million rubles. The attempt to issue them, again, is associated with the period of active implementation of the monetary reform, when the idea arose to rename the national currency and the ruble to "rus". At the same time, in addition to several sets of "russes", trial fifteen-ruble notes were also minted.
There are several types of such "probes"
- 1) Portrait of Nicholas with a small head (the last four letters of the edging go over the edge of the neck). For the first time information about it appeared after the publication in the catalog of H. Gil and A. Ilyin under the title "Russian coins minted in 1801-1904." By the standards of that time, it was estimated by experts at 100 rubles. Never put up as a lot at auctions. Antiquary specialists could not find a single photo of this coin, which was shown in the catalog. It is considered the rarest coin during the reign of Nicholas 2. There is information about the sale of such a coin at an auction in Germany for $ 100,000, however, it is not known for certain whether this information is reliable.
- 2) Embossed profile of the emperor of a smaller size, the letters "ROSS" go over the edge of the neck. There is information that it was sold at an auction for several million rubles.
- 3) A portrait of Nicholas with a large head, relief, the letters "ROSS" go over the edge of the neck. According to the information, it was sold at an auction for 1.5 million rubles, but no bids were fixed.
How to distinguish an original from a fake?
Not being a professional, it remains to be guided only by the external characteristics of the coin. Remember that coins issued within the same series do not differ in weight, diameter or thickness. You can also compare by eye how clear the chasing and casting are. The presence of a blunt herd clearly indicates a fake. If the surface of the coin is not clear and there is no mint mark, this is also a fake.
And the main criterion by which the original differs from the fake is the property of the metal. It is advisable to compare several copies of the same release period. It is worth checking not only the metal, but also the patina. These parameters can be used to determine whether the coin was cleaned or restored before being sold.
And it is best to show the coin to professionals who, if necessary, will conduct an examination and determine the authenticity of the coin, as well as give an adequate assessment of its value.
Coin minting in the Russian Empire is an art that acquired special significance thanks to the emperor and stopped with the existence of the Russian Empire. The last emperor depicted on the coins of Russian numismatics is Nicholas II. And it is the royal coin of 15 rubles, minted during the reign of the last emperor Nicholas II, that we will now consider in detail.
Historical and economic conditions for the origin of the coin
The coins in question were issued during 3 years old: 1897, 1898, 1899, but all of them have 1897 year... At the beginning of its appearance, this money was in common use along with paper money, but at the beginning of the next century, paper equivalents gradually replaced coin samples. To date, there are not very many copies that have survived to this day in good condition, there are much fewer ideally preserved coins.
The price of coins of 10 rubles of Nicholas II from 1897 to 1899 also varies and depends on many factors. To independently estimate the value of a coin, you can use special ones.
Nicholas II finally revived the tradition of minting portraits on coins of large denominations, which was interrupted for almost a century by the emperor. Coins of small values did not carry images of emperors, since it was believed that the coins on which the king was depicted were called so: "Portrait".
Numismatics are known 2 types of gold coins with a denomination of 15 rubles... They differ from each other by the obverse stamp. In one of the less common varieties, the letters SS are placed behind the edge of the neck of Nicholas II, in the second version, behind the edge of the neck, there is also the letter O, that is, OSS is obtained.
Click on the picture to enlarge the picture.
Description of the coin 15 rubles of Nicholas II
The portrait of the Tsar is on the obverse of the coin, Emperor Nicholas II is depicted in profile, his face is turned to the left. Around the circumference of the obverse you can read the embossed inscription: on the left side “B.М. NIKOLAI II IMERATOR ", on the right -" AND THE AUTOCHOR OF ALL RUSSIA. "
On the reverse depicts a two-headed eagle in crowns, holding a Scepter and Power, - the coat of arms of the Russian Empire. On the eagle's chest there is a shield with the image of George the Victorious on it, on the wings there are the coats of arms of the provinces that are subordinate to the Russian Empire. Under the coat of arms there is an image of the denomination itself - 15 rubles and the year 1897.
On the edge it says "Pure gold 2 spools and 69.36 shares" and in parentheses there is the seal of the mintzmeister (AG) - Apollo Grashof (1883-1899).
Weight of 15-ruble coin 1897 year is equal to the weight of the previous "Aleksandrovskaya" coin with a denomination of 10 rubles. Circulation of this coin is approximately 12 million copies... To be precise, 11,900,033 copies. Weight of this monetary unit is 12.9039 (± 0.018) g. Diameter coins equal 24.60 mm. Release material: Gold (Au), 900 standard. Coin series: Nicholas II.
The cost of a gold 15-ruble is on average $ 500, but it can vary depending on the state of the lot - up to $ 1000.
How to distinguish an original coin from copies and counterfeits
Of course, if you are not a professional valuer or a jeweler, you will have to be guided by the appearance of a coin to estimate its value. But still, there are several parameters that will greatly help you not to be mistaken in determining the value of a particular coin.
General view of the coin... First, compare the coin in question with the general characteristics inherent in the entire circulation. The diameter, weight and thickness of all coins of a certain edition does not differ. After that, you can visually compare the clarity of the minting and casting and the general lines of the coin.
If the edge is dull, casting was used to make the coin, and this, overwhelmingly, speaks of a fake copy. Especially if bubbles can be distinguished - the casting was of poor quality and even careful polishing will not eliminate the presence of this flaw.
The clarity of the surface is also important. If it is not clearly traceable, and the mint mark is not worth it, this is a fake.
And the last thing. The main difference between the original and the fake is property of metal. It is easiest to check it by comparing a copy with similar ones, preferably of the same production time. Check not only the metal itself, but also the patina - it will become clear to you whether the coin was restored or cleaned before putting it up for sale.
Video review of the 15-ruble coin of Nicholas II
Many collectors do not want to buy coins with flaws, even small ones, and are looking for offers close to the ideal. We recommend watching the video with the characteristic of 15 rubles of Nicholas II - it is always better to see at least once.
Nevertheless, if there is a need to evaluate an old coin, a win-win option would be to seek help from. In addition, if you want to evaluate and sell your copy, you can use our service free evaluation by filling out the form.
| Denomination: | 15 rubles |
| Year: | 1897 |
| Metal: | Gold |
| Release date: | 1897 |
| Standard weight: | 12.9 g |
| Norm. mass is clean. metal: | 11.61 g |
| Mint: | St. Petersburg |
| Standard diameter: | 24.6 mm |
| Standard thickness: | ~ 1.5 mm |
| Metal sample: | 900 |
| Circulation: | 11 900 033 |
| Edge: | Inscription: "Chistago gold 2 spools 69.36 shares A G" |
| The current market value of the metal: | 37198 p. |
Average market price of a coin for various conditions:
Gold, yard -, AG, "SS" under the edge of the neck
| PR | G | VG | F | VF | XF | aUNC | Proof-- | Proof- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| c / m | c / m | c / m | 33,000 RUB | 42,000 RUB | 60,000 RUB | Rarity | Rarity | Rarity |
| F | VF | XF |
|---|---|---|
| 33,000 RUB | 42,000 RUB | 60,000 RUB |
| aUNC | Proof-- | Proof- |
|---|---|---|
| Rarity | Rarity | Rarity |
| Proof-- | Proof- |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rarity |
Gold, yard -, AG, "OSS" under the edge of the neck
| PR | G | VG | F | VF | XF | aUNC | Proof-- | Proof- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| c / m | c / m | c / m | 33,000 RUB | 42,000 RUB | 60,000 RUB | Rarity | Rarity | Rarity |
| F | VF | XF |
|---|---|---|
| 33,000 RUB | 42,000 RUB | 60,000 RUB |
| aUNC | Proof-- | Proof- |
|---|---|---|
| Rarity | Rarity | Rarity |
| Proof-- | Proof- |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rarity |
Gold, yard -, AG, "ROSS" under the edge of the neck
| F | VF | XF | aUNC | Proof-- | Proof- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rarity | Rarity | Rarity | Rarity | Rarity | Rarity |
| F | VF | XF |
|---|---|---|
| Rarity | Rarity | Rarity |
| aUNC | Proof-- | Proof- |
|---|---|---|
| Rarity | Rarity | Rarity |
| Proof-- | Proof- |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rarity |
Note:
F - significant wear, but all details are visible
VF - low wear, no contamination and significant deposits
XF - almost no traces of handling, clear relief
aUNC - the perfect coin with traces of bag storage
Proof- - traces of opening the capsule, possibly the presence of weak fingerprints, darkening, yellowness
Proof - a coin without a capsule, or significant damage, clearly visible fingerprints, scratches, abrasions. In case of very large damage, the price is equal to the cost of the metal
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15 rubles of 1897 were made at the mint in St. Petersburg. Gold of the highest standard 900 was used for the production.
The issue of 15 rubles with the date: "1897" lasted until 1899, so it has a very large circulation, namely 11,900,033 pieces. The diameter is 24.6 millimeters. Thickness 1.9 mm. Weight is 12.90 grams.
History of creation
This coin began to be produced due to the decision of the Minister of Finance of the Russian Empire S.Yu. Witte to carry out monetary reform.
The decree was signed on January 3, 1897, and it was called: "On the minting and release into circulation of gold coins".
This meant that the free exchange of rubles for gold was now allowed. The so-called gold standard was introduced.
In this regard, the cost of silver was reduced by one third compared to gold,now silver coins were used as bargaining chips.
The monetary system lasted until the outbreak of the First World War. As a result, all gold rubles were withdrawn from circulation.
In general, this reform had a good impact on the state economy. It allowed to strengthen the currency, as well as led to an impressive investment from foreign investors.
Appearance
Obverse
The obverse is stamped with the profile of the last All-Russian Emperor Nicholas II, the face is directed to the left.
On the left edge there is a signature: “B.M. NICHOLAS II IMERATOR", On the right side:" AND THE AUTOCHOR OF ALL RUSSIA. " The edging on both sides is decorated with an ornament resembling small teeth.
Reverse
The reverse consists of the Small State Emblem.
Reverse coin 15 rubles 1897
And the lines stretching along the edge: "15 RUBLES 1897" which indicates the denomination and year of manufacture.
Edge
Embossed on the edge: "Pure gold, 2 spools and 69.36 shares".
It is followed by the initials of the mint manager Apollo Grashof, enclosed in brackets: "(A.G.)".
Price
In total, there are five varieties of this gold coin. Two are common, and the other three are found only at auctions.
- A simplified portrait of the emperor, the corner of the neck trim goes beyond two letters: "SS". Stick-shaped notches are used along the edge of the coin. The price is 47,000 rubles.
- A relief portrait of the emperor, the corner of the neck trimming goes beyond three letters: "OSS". Rhombus-shaped notches are used along the edge of the coin. The cost is 45,000 rubles.
Now let's move on to single instances:
- Small portrait of the emperor. Was sold at auction in Germany for 100,000 ye. It may have been a trial coin.
- A relief portrait of the emperor in a smaller size, the corner of the neck cropping extends beyond four letters: "ROSS". Sold at auction for 3 million rubles.
- The portrait of the emperor is large and not in relief; the corner of the neck trim extends beyond four letters: "ROSS". It was sold for 1.5 million rubles, but not a single rate was fixed.
Prices are for coins in VF (Very Fine) condition.
It is still better to buy even relatively “frequent” 15 rubles in gold in proven places, since now it is very easy to come across a fake.
Usually, even an inexperienced collector can distinguish them, since everything is done inaccurately, but there are also very skillful forgeries that are very difficult to distinguish from the original.
Conclusion
This coin, even in a relatively "frequent" variety, not every numismatist will allow himself to purchase in the collection, but it cannot be cheaper, since it is made of precious metal. For most people, buying this coin will be a good investment. Since, on average, they add 5-10% in price every year.
Video: Review of 15 rubles 1897 in gold: varieties