Russia - Romanov's 300th Year

April 2024

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This celebration of the Empires' 300th Year under Romanov Rule comes in two varieties. It helps to see both to help judge which type you may have, both are presented here; this one is a normal relief type. Check out the 'High Relief' type in the Gallery.
In the background is the portrait of Tsar Michael (Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov) the founder of the Dynasty (1613 - 1917); foreground shows Nicholas II just a few years before his overthrow at the hands of the Bolsheviks.
In Russia, the double-headed eagle is one of the nation’s most prominent national symbols, although there are several theories behind the meaning of this unusual creature. Some historians theorize that in 1497, when Ivan III borrowed the idea of the two-headed eagle from the Byzantines, he wanted to associate himself with the power of the fallen empire. From then on, the double-headed eagle was often employed by the monarchy and frequently featured on coronation regalia. However, since the two heads face different directions, it’s widely believed that the double-headed eagle represents the geographical position of Russia, as it spans from the Baltic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west.
For a great review of Russian coins from Rus through the Revolution see the Library at:
Russian Coins - 1000 Years: [ link ]