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The Russia 5 Roubles Gold 1877CNB MS61 NGC is a significant and collectible coin from the late Imperial Russian era, struck during the reign of Emperor Alexander II, a monarch whose rule was marked by sweeping reforms, modernization, and considerable political upheaval. The 5 rouble denomination in gold had been part of the Russian coinage system since the 18th century, serving both as a medium of everyday commerce and as a symbol of the tsarist regime’s strength and wealth. By 1877, Russia was actively involved in foreign conflict—specifically the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)—making the issuance of coinage during this period especially important for internal financial stability and international credibility. Coins like this 5 rouble piece are therefore not only valued for their gold content but also for the role they played in Russia’s economic history during a transformative era.
The obverse of the 1877 5 Roubles gold coin features a finely engraved portrait of Tsar Alexander II facing right. This effigy is dignified and idealized, consistent with the classical portraiture style used across much of 19th-century Europe. The emperor’s hair and beard are detailed, and his expression is firm and composed, conveying authority and continuity. Around the perimeter is the Cyrillic inscription identifying Alexander II as Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia, reinforcing his absolute rule. This obverse design stands as a visual testament to the centralized power structure of the Russian Empire, and the artistry reflects the prestige and official character associated with imperial coinage of the time.
The reverse of the coin displays the crowned double-headed imperial eagle, the official coat of arms of the Russian Empire. Each head wears an imperial crown, with a third, larger crown above, connected to the others by a ribbon. The eagle’s chest is emblazoned with the escutcheon of Moscow, showing St. George slaying the dragon. In its talons, the eagle clutches a scepter and an orb—symbols of monarchical authority and divine right. Around the eagle are the coin’s denomination and date, written in Cyrillic as “5 РУБЛЕЙ 1877,” and below it the mint initials “С.Н.Б.,” standing for the Saint Petersburg Mint, which was Russia’s primary minting facility at the time. The detailed execution of the reverse, with its heraldic imagery and bold lettering, exemplifies the craftsmanship of late 19th-century Russian numismatics.
The Saint Petersburg Mint, established in the early 18th century under Peter the Great, was Russia’s most prominent minting institution during the Imperial era. By the time this 5 rouble coin was struck in 1877, the mint was employing state-of-the-art equipment for die production and metal refinement. Coins produced at the mint during this period are known for their fine details, consistent quality, and precise metal composition. The “С.Н.Б.” mintmark identifies both the mint and the mint officials responsible for oversight of coinage at that time. The presence of this mark on the 1877 gold rouble links it directly to the official monetary and administrative mechanisms of the empire, making it not just a unit of currency but a product of institutional rigor and imperial authority.
The 5 rouble gold coin was part of a bimetallic monetary system, where both silver and gold coins circulated widely. Each 5 rouble coin was struck in .900 fine gold, weighing approximately 6.45 grams with a diameter of 22.5 millimeters. This standard remained consistent across the years, ensuring that Russian gold coins could compete favorably with other international gold currencies, such as the French 20 Franc, British Sovereign, and U.S. Half Eagle. Russia’s continued production of gold coinage into the late 19th century signaled its commitment to maintaining a stable monetary system, particularly important as it sought to expand its influence in both Europe and Asia. The gold 5 rouble coin was used domestically and often found its way into foreign hands through trade, diplomacy, and conflict, serving as both currency and an emblem of imperial reach.
The mintage for the 1877 5 Roubles gold coin was relatively modest compared to later years, adding to its numismatic appeal. While exact numbers vary, it is understood that fewer than a million pieces were struck that year—a relatively small quantity considering the population size and the coin’s denomination. The coin’s survival rate is also impacted by the turbulent events that followed its issuance, including the assassination of Alexander II in 1881, the monetary reforms of the early 20th century, the Russian Revolution in 1917, and the eventual dissolution of the tsarist regime. Many gold coins were melted for bullion or lost in the chaos of war and regime change, making surviving examples like this one all the more valuable to collectors today.
The 1877CNB 5 Roubles gold coin certified by NGC as MS61 indicates that the coin is in Mint State condition with no signs of circulation wear. The MS61 grade suggests that while the coin retains full original luster and strike detail, it may exhibit noticeable marks, scuffs, or other minor abrasions resulting from the minting or storage process. Nonetheless, coins in MS61 condition are considered uncirculated, and for a coin of this age—struck nearly 150 years ago—such a grade is remarkable. The high preservation state makes this piece ideal for inclusion in advanced collections focused on Imperial Russia, 19th-century gold coinage, or global monetary history.
NGC’s encapsulation provides long-term protection and certification, ensuring that the coin’s authenticity and grade are preserved and easily recognized by collectors, dealers, and institutions worldwide. The clear, tamper-evident holder allows for both secure storage and convenient display, while the label confirms key details such as the coin’s date, mint, denomination, metal composition, and numeric grade. For investors and collectors, the combination of gold content and independent third-party certification enhances both the value and marketability of the coin, making it a solid addition to collections that emphasize both historical significance and long-term value retention.
The 1877 5 Roubles gold coin occupies an important chapter in Russian monetary history, bridging the pre-industrial and industrial eras of the Russian Empire. It reflects not only the empire’s economic policies but also its aspirations toward modernization, imperial expansion, and global integration. Coins such as this offer a tangible connection to an era defined by reform, conflict, and imperial ambition—an era that shaped the destiny of one of the world’s largest and most complex nations. As a certified Mint State example, this coin serves as a pristine artifact of that moment, encapsulating artistry, authority, and gold-backed monetary reliability.
The Russia 5 Roubles Gold 1877CNB MS61 NGC is a distinguished collectible that combines numismatic rarity, historical weight, and visual appeal. Its ties to Tsar Alexander II, the Saint Petersburg Mint, and Russia’s broader 19th-century economic framework make it a coin of deep cultural and monetary relevance. Collectors who pursue Russian Imperial gold understand the scarcity and prestige of such coins, especially in uncirculated condition. This example represents not only a fragment of Russia’s past but also a lasting testament to the artistry and ambition of one of Europe’s great empires at the height of its influence.