1 Rouble XXII Summer Olympic Games, Moscow 1980 - Sputnik and Soyuz Monument

Historical Context: Issued in 1979, this 1 Rouble coin commemorates the XXII Summer Olympic Games held in Moscow in 1980, a pivotal international event during the late Soviet era under Leonid Brezhnev. This series served as a significant propaganda tool, showcasing Soviet technological prowess and cultural achievements to a global audience. The "Sputnik and Soyuz Monument" theme specifically celebrates the USSR's pioneering accomplishments in space exploration, reinforcing national pride and the Soviet Union's image as a scientific leader on the world stage.

Artistry: The design, likely executed by the artistic department of the Leningrad or Moscow Mint, adheres to the tenets of Socialist Realism. This style emphasizes heroic and monumental depictions, often glorifying national achievements. The reverse prominently features the iconic "Sputnik and Soyuz Monument," also known as the Monument to the Conquerors of Space. This impressive Moscow landmark, depicting a soaring rocket culminating in a stylized Sputnik, is rendered with precision, capturing its aspirational and powerful form within the numismatic field.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel with a weight of 12.8 grams and a diameter of 31 millimeters, this coin typically exhibits a strong strike. Key high-points for grading include the apex of the Sputnik satellite and the leading edges of the monument's upward-sweeping structure. Collectors should look for full definition in these areas, as well as crispness in the lettering and the Soviet Emblem on the obverse. Minor softness on the highest relief points can occasionally be observed, but well-preserved examples should display sharp details and original luster.