The first of several new releases by the Bank of Russia for this week are two new partially colourized silver coins that form part of the History of Russian Aviation series.
The History of Russian Avian series began in 2010 and has in previous issues features such aircraft as the Russian Knight, the Sukhoy Superjet-100, the Biplane U-2 and the Ilyushin Il-76. The series usually issues two coins a year and features one modern and one historic subject, celebrating the long and diverse history of Russian aviation.
Russia 2016 1 Rouble Silver Coin for the Lavochkin LA-5 Fighter
These coins are both ¼ oz sterling silver 1 Rouble pieces. The 25mm .925 Fineness silver coins weigh 7.78gram each, and will have a limited mintage of 3000 coins each. This is notably less than the mintage figure of 5000 coins from previous years.
The obverse design is shared by both coins and prominently features the Coat of Arms of the Russian Federation at it's centre with the legend appearing in Cyrillic text :“РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ”, “БАНК РОССИИ” and “1 РУБЛЬ”. Which translates to “RUSSIAN FEDERATION”, “BANK OF RUSSIA” and “1 ROUBLE”. The date, 2016, appears at the bottom with the silver mark, Ag925, appearing to the left of the Coat of Arms while the weight, 7.78, and mintmark of the Saint Petersburg Mint appear on the right.
Russia 2016 1 Rouble Silver Coin Aviation Series Obverse
The first coin features a Lavochkin LA-5 single propeller fighter aircraft from a three quarter perspective, while in flight. The LA-5 is a Soviet era fighter plane that served during the second World War. During it's service history approximately 9 920 of these models were produced.
The reverse design has been matted and selectively colourized with light blue swirls around and underneath the craft, imagining the frenzied action during a dogfight between the LA_5 and an unseen enemy aircraft. The sculpted image of the fighter itself has been left untreated. The legend reads : “ИСТОРИЯ РУССКОЙ АВИАЦИИ” (THE HISTORY OF RUSSIAN AVIATION) along the top of the raised rim, and “ЛА-5” (LA-5) to the right.
The other coin in the History of Russian Aviation series to be released this week is dedicated to the Sukhoi Su-25. The Su-25 is a twin engine jet aircraft intended for close air support of ground troops. The craft was first developed by the Soviet Union in 1975 and entered service by 1978. Over 1000 SU-25's have been produced since then and the model is still in active service today.
Russia 2016 1 Rouble Silver Coin for the Sukhoi Su-25 Jet Plane
The reverse design displays the SU-25 from below as it speeds past in an apparent ascent. The selective colour treatment forms sharp lines and streaks in the background, emphasizing the speed and agility of the SU-25. Again the sculpted image of the plane is left untreated. The legend reads : “ИСТОРИЯ РУССКОЙ АВИАЦИИ” (THE HISTORY OF RUSSIAN AVIATION) and “СУ-25” (SU-25).
The coins are only be available in proof quality upon release.
