Catalog
| Issuer | Soviet Union |
|---|---|
| Year | 1958 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
| Value | 1 Kopeck (0.01) |
| Currency | Rouble (1924-1958) |
| Composition | Aluminium bronze |
| Weight | 1 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Thickness | 0.9 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Y#126, Ushakov#398(Р-1), Fedorin#128 |
| Obverse description | The coat of arms of the Soviet Union. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Cyrillic |
| Obverse lettering |
СССР (Translation: USSR) |
| Reverse description | Denomination and date within wreath. |
| Reverse script | Cyrillic |
| Reverse lettering |
1 КОПЕЙКА 1958 (Translation: 1 Kopeck) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1958 - - 30 265 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1011986520 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1958 1 Kopeck trial strike emerges from a pivotal period in Soviet history, under Nikita Khrushchev’s leadership. This era, marked by post-Stalin reforms, saw the Soviet Union planning a comprehensive monetary reform, culminating in the 1961 currency change. These 1958 trials represent early, ultimately rejected, proposals for the new coinage system. They offer a tangible glimpse into policy considerations and design experiments preceding the final decision, underscoring the rigorous preparation for such a significant economic overhaul.
Artistry: The design adheres to Socialist Realism, typical of Soviet numismatic art. While specific engraver details are often unrecorded, the obverse prominently features the State Emblem of the USSR—the hammer and sickle on a globe, encircled by wheat sheaves, beneath a radiant star. The reverse displays the denomination “1 KOPECK” and the year “1958,” presented with clarity. This design embodies the state’s ideological message of unity and industrial-agricultural might.
Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium bronze, weighing 1 gram and measuring 15 millimeters, this trial piece is notable for its compact size. As a trial strike, it typically exhibits an exceptionally sharp and full strike, often with proof-like fields, due to meticulous production. Key high-points for evaluation include fine details within the globe and wheat ears on the obverse, and the crispness of lettering and numerals on the reverse. Any weakness in these areas would be unusual for a specimen of this nature.