The 1924 Ruble: A Coin at the Dawn
of a New Era
As we approach one of the key periods in Soviet history – the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) – there is an interest in various aspects of the culture and art of this era. One of the vivid examples is the first ruble, minted in 1924. This coin not only reflects the changes taking place in the country but also represents a unique collectible item.
Historical Context
In 1924, the new state – the USSR – was in the process of formation, and the 1924 Ruble reflected this on its obverse. On the front side of the coin, there is a coat of arms and the inscription "Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic". This coin became a symbol of transition and new hopes for the country's development after the end of the Civil War and the establishment of Soviet power.
Characteristics and Design
The coin is made of 900 fine silver, weighs 20 grams, and is adorned with an impressive relief. The reverse of the coin is decorated with a beaded mirrored minting, giving it a special elegance. Also, on the reverse side, the coin's denomination "1 RUBLE" is depicted along with the year of issue – "1924".
Mint Mark
Another feature of the coin is the presence of a mint mark, indicating where it was minted. The symbols "M", "L", and "T" represented the Moscow, Leningrad, and Tiflis mints respectively. This adds additional interest for collectors, as coins minted at different mints may have varying rarity and value.
Commemorative and Collectible Editions
While the main issue of the 1924 ruble was made from 900 fine silver, there were also commemorative editions made from higher-quality silver (916.6 fine). These coins were minted in limited quantities and were intended as gifts for special occasions.
Part of a Series
It's worth noting that the 1924 ruble was released as part of a series, which also included other denominations: 5 kopecks, 10 kopecks, 50 kopecks. Although they are not as valuable as the ruble, they are still of interest to numismatists and historians.