1 Rouble The Rush Toad

Part of Russia's long-running "Red Book" wildlife series, this rouble was issued under the federal program mandated to publicize species listed in Russia's official endangered species register. The Raddei's toad — *Bufo raddei*, known in Russian collecting circles as the rush toad — inhabits wetland margins across Transbaikalia and the Russian Far East, a range that put it squarely within the political interest of post-Soviet conservation legislation. The series began in the 1990s and has produced hundreds of types; secondary market premiums are driven almost entirely by species popularity rather than mintage differentials.