Collecting for Beginners: USSR Coins (Part 2)

The story about the coins of the USSR continues. As in previous publications, rare and interesting variants of coins sold on Violiti were used for illustrations.

And it begins with coins prepared for the 1958 reform. And, despite the fact that it was postponed for several years, everyday coins of different denominations were still released. For 5, 3, 2, 1 rubles and 50, 20, 15, 10 kopecks, an alloy of copper and nickel was used. For 5, 3 kopecks - aluminum bronze. For 2 and 1 kopecks - an alloy of copper and zinc.






At the end of the above-mentioned reform, coins of 1 ruble, 50, 20, 15 and 10 kopecks, which were made from an alloy of copper and nickel, were again introduced into circulation. On the first two, the smooth edge was subsequently replaced by an inscription. In 1991, the place near the coat of arms was decorated with a letter designating the place of minting - Moscow and Leningrad (M. and L.).
















As for 1, 2, 3, 5 kopecks of 1961, an alloy of copper and zinc was used for them. Their size was preserved, and the weight of coins of each denomination corresponded to the weight of coins of previous issues. The drawing has been slightly modified. They were produced until 1991.

Since 1991, the mint mark has been put under the coat of arms. Coins were minted without it. Sometimes coins were minted with signs in small quantities, for example, 5 kopecks in 1990.








Since 1991, coins of the State Bank of the country have been introduced into circulation - 10 and 50 kopecks, 1, 5 and 10 rubles. Then, for the first time, a coin was issued for which a bimetal was used: a coin circle - brass, a ring - an alloy of copper and nickel.




This was the last serial issue of the USSR coins. In the next publication, we will talk about anniversary and commemorative coins of the Soviet state.