No.2: 5 Ruble Gold Coin
The Russian imperial ruble was the main currency unit of the Russian Empire from 1584 to 1922. Therefore, there are many kinds of 5 Golden Rubles. However, the 5-ruble Nicolas II coin and the 5-ruble Alexander III coin are the most famous.
The 5-ruble Alexander III coin was manufactured from 1886 to 1894. It weighs 6.45 grams, measures about 21 mm in diameter and contains 5.81 grams of pure gold.
The reverse depicts the coat of arms of the Russian Empire: a triple crowned two-headed eagle holding a scepter and a globe in its claws and wearing a shield decorated with the image of St. George slaying the dragon. The eagle symbolizes the Russian Empire whose territory extends over two continents, Europe and Asia. On the other hand, the sceptre and the globe represent the power of the tsar and also the Orthodox Church.
In contrast, the obverse displays the portrait of his sovereign, Tsar Alexander III, surrounded by the words “By the grace of God, Alexander III, emperor and autocrat of all Russia”.
Secondly, the 5 Rubles Nicolas II coin, it was manufactured from 1897 to 1911. It weighs about 4.3 grams, measures about 18 mm in diameter and also contains 3.87 grams of pure gold.
The reverse is the same as the one depicted in the 5 Rubles Alexandre III coin.
The obverse depicts Emperor Nicholas II surrounded by the inscription “Tsar Nicholas II Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia”.
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