20 Kopecks (R.S.F.S.R.) 1921-1923 front 20 Kopecks (R.S.F.S.R.) 1921-1923 back
20 Kopecks (R.S.F.S.R.) 1921-1923 photo
© Heritage Auctions

20 Kopecks R.S.F.S.R.

 
Silver (.500) 3.6 g 21.8 mm
Description
Issuer
Soviet Union (Russia)
Period
Russian SFSR (1917-1922)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1921-1923
Value
20 Kopecks (0.20)
Currency
Soviet Republic (RSFSR) ‒ Rouble (1921-1923)
Composition
Silver (.500)
Weight
3.6 g
Diameter
21.8 mm
Thickness
1 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
1 April 1961
Updated
2024-10-07
References
Numista
N#7244
Rarity index
10%

Reverse

Value and date within beaded circle, star on top divides wreath.

Script: Cyrillic

Lettering:
20
КОПЕЕК
1922

Translation: 20 Kopecks

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Coins with the coat of arms of the RSFSR were minted in 1921-1923 in preparation for the future exchange of money. They were released into circulation in 1924 together with the coins bearing the coat of arms of the USSR. In 1924-1961, both types of coins circulated simultaneously, although starting from 1932 they began to be replaced by copper-nickel coins.

 

Stalin's Death Sentence Coin

 

This coin dated 1923 to 1931 was the last circulating silver coin issued by the Soviet Union. 

Due to silver shortages and economic turmoil, Stalin wanted to replace replace the coins with base metal.

Failing to get the satisfactory result in confiscating silver coins, he ordered the killings of financial sector workers, thus the grisly nickname.

 

See https://www.historyhoard.com/products/soviet-union-death-sentence-coins-1920s

Interesting fact

The 20 Kopecks coin from the Soviet Union (Russia) made of Silver (.500) weighing 3.6 g has an interesting fact that it was minted during a time of great change and upheaval in Russia. The coin was minted from 1921 to 1923, which was a period of transition for Russia, as it was recovering from the Russian Revolution and Civil War. The coin's design features the iconic hammer and sickle symbol, which was a new symbol for the Soviet Union at the time and represented the union of workers and peasants. Additionally, the coin's silver content and weight were a departure from previous coinage, which was made of copper or nickel. This change in composition was likely due to the economic and political changes happening in Russia at the time.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
1921  825000 - - - - - -
1922  14220000 - - - - - -
1923  27580000 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 20 Kopecks (R.S.F.S.R.) 1921-1923 coin.