The Bank of Russia have released two new commemorative silver coins, both being new additions to the longstanding Architectural Monuments of Russia collector's coin series.
The first coin commemorates the Palace and Park Ensemble of Neskuchny in Moscow. The ensemble is a 40 acre property first formed in the 18th century by merging three separate estates. The Palace served as residence for Tsar Nicholas I and his wife, the Empress Consort Alexandra Feodorovna.
Russia Proof 5oz Silver 25 Ruble Palace and Park Ensemble of Neskuchny Coin Reverse
The reverse of the coin depicts an image of the Aleksandrinsky palace, along with a portion of the gardens. Tsar Nicolas I named the palace after his wife, Tsaritsa Alexandra Feodorovna(also known as Charlotte of Prussia). The word “НЕСКУЧНОЕ” (Neskuchny) appears on the palace grounds in the foreground. To the top along the rim are the words “ДВОРЦОВО-ПАРКОВЫЙ АНСАМБЛЬ” (PALACE AND PARK ENSEMBLE) and “МОСКВА”(MOSCOW) to the bottom.
The Aleksandrinsky Palace, Neskuchny in Moscow
Both coins share a common obverse design, featuring the incredibly detailed relief image of the National Coat of Arms of the Russian Federation. The words “РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ” (RUSSIAN FEDERATION) are inscribed in a semi circle along the top rim and bookended by doubled rhombuses. Below the coat of arms the issuing authority, denomination and date of issue are described : “БАНК РОССИИ” (BANK OF RUSSIA), “25 РУБЛЕЙ” (25 RUBLES) and “2017 г.” (2017). Additionally the coat of arms is flanked by weight and metal content, along with the Moscow Mint's mintmark to the right.
Russia Proof 5oz Silver 25 Ruble Coin Obverse
The Neskuchny Palace and Park Ensemble commemorative coin is struck from 5oz of sterling silver(.925 Fineness). The coin is denominated as a 25 Ruble, legal tender,, issue and measures 60mm(2.36 inch) in diameter. A total mintage of 1000 coins has been announced by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
Russia 2017 Silver Surp Khach Monastery Coin Reverse
The second coin is a smaller coin made to more traditional measurements. It commemorates the Surb-Khach Monastery in the Republic of Crimea. The Surp Khach Monastery (Monastery of the Holy Cross) is a mediaeval Armenian monastery located on the Crimean peninsula near Staryi Krym. It has been an Armenian spiritual centre and a place of pilgrimage for centuries and was founded in 1358.
The Surb-Khach Monastery in the Republic of Crimea
The reverse of this coin depicts the buildings of the monastery from a slightly angled viewpoint. The words : “МОНАСТЫРЬ СУРБ-ХАЧ” (SURB-KHACH MONASTERY) are inscribed to the top, along the rim. “РЕСПУБЛИКА КРЫМ” (REPUBLIC OF CRIMEA) is written to the bottom half of the coin in two lines. The design is completed by “ОСН. В XIV в.” (FOUNDED,IN,XIV CENTURY) to the top left, also in two lines.
Russia Proof Silver 3 Ruble Coin Obverse
The obverse is identical to that of the Neskuchny coin, except for the denomination and weight changing to “3 РУБЛЯ” (3 ROUBLES) and 31.1 respectively.
The coin is struck from 1oz of sterling silver, for a total weight of 33.94 grams. The 3 Ruble coin measures 39mm(1.5354 inch) and has a total mintage of 5000 coins.
