The Bank of Russia issued no less than eight new commemorative coins this week. As always the design quality of these coins are of a very high standard and helps to detail and preserve the rich history and culture of the Russian Federation and her people.

The first two coins will extend the already established “History of Russian Aviation” series. 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.

The two coins commemorate the WWII era Lavochkin LA-5 fighter plane and the Soviet era  Sukhoi Su-25 close support jet-aircraft. The full World Numismatic News review of these two collector coins can be read HERE.

The third coin is by far the largest of the lot, weighing in at an impressive 155.5gram(5 troy ounce) of .925 Fineness silver. The 60mm(2.36 inch) piece is a 25 Rouble sterling silver commemorative proof coin forming part of the long serving Architectural Monuments of Russia series, that has been running since 1993. This coin celebrates The Grand Peterhof Palace, in Saint Petersburg.

2016 Silver 25 Rouble Coin. The Grand Peterhof Palace from the Architectural Monuments of Russia Series Obverse

As with the other coins the obverse design features the exquisitely detailed Coat of Arms of the Russian Federation at it's centre  with the legend detailing the country of origin, issuing authority, denomination and date in Cyrillic text. These are : “РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ”(RUSSIAN FEDERATION), “БАНК РОССИИ”(BANK OF RUSSIA),  “25 РУБЛЕЙ”(25 ROUBLES) and  “2016”. Also inscribed on either side of the Coat of Arms are indications of the metallurgic composition and weight. To the left “Ag925” for sterling silver and “155.5” to the right with the mintmark of the Mint of Saint Petersburg just below the weight.

2016 Silver 25 Rouble Coin. The Grand Peterhof Palace from the Architectural Monuments of Russia Series

The reverse depicts a remarkably detailed depiction of the Great Peterhof Palace as viewed from the lower gardens. The monogram of Peter the Great, who commissioned and designed the palace, appears at the top. At the bottom the legend of “БОЛЬШОЙ ПЕТЕРГОФСКИЙ ДВОРЕЦ” (THE GRAND PETERHOF PALACE) is inscribed.  Only 1500 of these coins will be minted.

The fourth coin is a special 1oz 3 Rouble sterling silver proof crown sized coin commemorating 300 years since the founding of Omsk in 1716. The coin measures 39mm(1.5 inch), is struck from 31.1gram of .925 Fineness silver and has a limited mintage of 3000 coins.

The obverse of the coin is similar to that of the Grand Peterhof Palace coin with the exception of the denomination ganging to 3 Roubles and the weight indication to 31.1.

2016 Silver 3 Rouble Coin. Tercentenary of the Founding of Omsk

The reverse design of the Tercentenary of the Founding of Omsk 1oz silver coin is again an incredibly detailed relief depicting well known monuments of the city.  The Omsk State Academic Drama Theatre can be seen in the foreground to the left, with the Omsk's Assumption Cathedral featuring in the background to the right. To the bottom are the words “ОМСК ОСН. В 1716 г.” in Cyrillic text, which translates as “OMSK FOUNDED IN 1716”.

Russia 2016 Silver 3 Rouble Coin. The 150th Anniversary of the Approval of the Notary System Regulations

The next coin commemorates the The 150th Anniversary of the Approval of the Notary System Regulations. The 3 Rouble coin has a limited mintage of 2000 pieces. The 1oz silver(.925 Fineness) proof coin measures 39mm and is struck from 1oz of sterling silver. The obverse design is identical to that of the  Tercentenary of the Foundation of Omsk coin(see above).

The reverse depicts the emblem of the Russian Federal Notary Chamber slightly offset to the top left of the coin. The signature of Alexander II appearing to the lower right, just below. Encircling these just below the raised rim are the words : “150-ЛЕТИЕ УТВЕРЖДЕНИЯ ПОЛОЖЕНИЯ О НОТАРИАЛЬНОЙ ЧАСТИ” in Cyrillic lettering(THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE APPROVAL OF THE NOTARY SYSTEM REGULATIONS). The date “27 АПРЕЛЯ 1866 Г” (27TH OF APRIL 1866) appear in two lines just to the right.

Russia 2016 Silver 3 Rouble Coin. The 20th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

The sixth piece is again a 1oz silver 3 Rouble proof commemorative coin. The subject this time is The 20th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The forum is an annual event that brings together leaders from government and business to discuss the economic environment  in Russia to provide a practical tool for business, helping to overcome the barriers, both geographical and informational, dividing Russia and other countries. The 20th summit is set to be held from the 16th to the 18th of June 2016.

Russia 2016 Silver 3 Rouble Coin. The 20th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Obverse

The obverse design again is shared with the other 3 rouble coins discussed above. The reverse of the coin features the silhouette of the monument to Peter the Great in Saint Petersburg to the lower third of the coin. The logo of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Form appears at the left while the words “ПМЭФ” “ПЕТЕРБУРГСКИЙ МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫЙ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЙ ФОРУМ” (“SPIEF” “ST. PETERSBURG INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM”) are on the right.  The coin is partially colourized on the reverse.

The final two coins honour Russia's rich cultural heritage and history by depicting national treasures  being curated in the Kremlin Armoury Museum, in Moscow. The first coin is a 1oz silver 3 Rouble that depicts the iconic Cap of Monomach. The second is another 25 Rouble 5oz silver coin that features the double throne of Ivan Alekseyevich and Peter Alekseyevich. These last two coins are discussed in greater detail HERE.

Images are provided courtesy of The Central Bank of the Russian Federation