Catalogue
| Émetteur | Russia |
|---|---|
| Année | 1997 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Valeur | 3 Roubles (3 RUR) |
| Devise | Rouble (1991-1997) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Poids | 34.88 g |
| Diamètre | 39.00 mm |
| Épaisseur | 3.30 mm |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | Obverse: Alexander Vasilyevich Baklanov Reverse: Lev Arsenyevich Vitte |
| En circulation jusqu’à | 1 January 1998 |
| Référence(s) | Y#593, CBR#5111-0057, Schön#555 |
| Description de l’avers | The two-headed eagle designed by artist I. Bilibin. The inscriptions along the rim: at the top — «3 РУБЛЯ 1997 г.» (3 ROUBLES 1997), at the bottom — «БАНК РОССИИ» (BANK OF RUSSIA). The letters below indicate the metal sign, the fineness, the fine metal content and the mint trademark. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Cyrillic, Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
3 РУБЛЯ 1997г. Ag 900 ММД 31,1 БАНК РОССИИ (Translation: ROUBLES MMD BANK OF RUSSIA) |
| Description du revers | The picture of a polar bear on the edge of an ice floe hunting an emerged walrus. The inscription along the rim: «СОХРАНИМ НАШ МИР» (PROTECT OUR WORLD). |
| Écriture du revers | Cyrillic |
| Légende du revers |
СОХРАНИМ НАШ МИР (Translation: PROTECT OUR WORLD) |
| Tranche | 300 corrugations |
| Atelier |
(ММД) Moscow Mint (Московский монетный двор), Russia (?-date) |
| Tirage |
1997 ММД - Proof - 10 000 |
| ID Numisquare | 5900761390 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: Issued in 1997, the 3 Roubles Polar Bear coin emerged from the nascent Russian Federation under President Boris Yeltsin. This period marked Russia's complex transition from the Soviet era, characterized by economic reforms and a re-establishment of national identity. As part of a broader commemorative program, this coin likely highlighted Russia's vast natural heritage and commitment to environmental themes, reflecting the nation's immense northern territories and their unique biodiversity, a common subject for Russian numismatic issues.
Artistry: While the specific engraver is not commonly attributed for mass-produced commemoratives, the design adheres to the realistic and detailed aesthetic prevalent in post-Soviet Russian numismatics. The obverse typically features the national emblem of the Russian Federation, the double-headed eagle, alongside the denomination and year. The reverse, the artistic focal point, depicts a majestic polar bear, likely rendered with naturalistic precision, capturing the animal's powerful form and the stark beauty of its Arctic habitat, often incorporating elements of ice or snow in the background.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .900 fine silver, weighing 34.88 grams with a 39.00 mm diameter, this coin exhibits characteristics typical of a high-quality commemorative issue. Key high-points for grading include the intricate fur texture of the polar bear, particularly around the head, snout, and shoulders, as well as any fine details in the surrounding ice or water. A well-struck example will display full luster, sharp relief, and clear definition in all design elements, with minimal field marks indicative of its Brilliant Uncirculated or Proof-like status.