Obverse: The centre of the coin features the coat of arms of the Russian Empire – a crowned double-headed eagle with outstretched wings. The eagle holds a sceptre and an imperial orb, while the shield on its chest depicts St George slaying a dragon with a spear. The coats of arms of other territories of the Russian Empire surround the central emblem. The mint official's initials “НІ” appear at the bottom.
Reverse: The face value “5 РУБЛЕЙ” is displayed in the centre, with the year of issue “1874” and the Saint Petersburg Mint mark “С.П.Б.” below. The surrounding inscription “ЧИСТАГО ЗОЛОТА 1 ЗОЛОТНИКЪ 39 ДОЛЕЙ” indicates the fine gold content in traditional Russian units of weight. Decorative stars and ornamental lines complete the composition.
About the coin: This 5-rouble gold coin was issued in 1874 during the reign of Emperor Alexander II (1855–1881) of the Russian Empire. It is also known as a half-imperial. Struck at the Saint Petersburg Mint from .917 fine gold, the coin weighs 6.54 g, containing approximately 6 g of pure gold. Its diameter is 22.6 mm, and the 1874 mintage was 4,800,003 pieces. The initials “НІ” identify the mint official Nikolai Ioss. This particular coin has been certified by the international numismatic grading company NGC and assigned the designation “UNC Details – Removed from Jewelry”. This indicates that the coin retains details characteristic of an uncirculated specimen but was previously used as part of a piece of jewellery and subsequently removed from it. The coin is presented in its original NGC protective holder, certification number 8584982-010.
