Collecting Old Pre-1920 Russian Gold Coins

By Christina Goldman

Serious investors purchase gold and silver coins from a variety of countries and time periods. One of the most popular coins in many investor portfolios are the pre-1920 Russian gold coins.

Russian Imperial gold coins, available in years from 1897 to 1909, are considered to be a solid and safe investment. Whether gold coins were issued as rubles, multiples of rubles, or in older versions of gold called ducats, novodels or gold kopeks, the demand for Russian gold coin samples has always outweighed supply.

Pre-1912 era Russian gold coins are generally available in denominations of five rubles, 10 rubles, and 15 rubles. Some of the more favored pure Russian gold coins include but are not limited to:

Alexander III - Gold 10 Markkaa 1882

Nicholas II - Gold 20 Markkaa 1912

Nicholas II - five rubles 1897

Nicolas II - five rubles 1898

Nicolas II - five rubles, 1900


Measuring anywhere 18 mm with a .1244 gold content, the five rubles minted between 1895 to 1911 are not so easy to find any longer. Gold 150 denomination rubles measuring in at 29.5 mm, with a .5000 gold content, Russian coins are a solid investment of minimal expenditures for most collectors and investors.

Though more simplistic in design than many gold coins, Russian gold coins favoring busts of Nicholas II are favorites in a multitude of denominations.

Imperial Russian gold coins are a must-have for most collectors and investors interested in the history and legacy left by gold coin minting throughout the world. Owning pre-1920 old Russian gold coins are a great addition to any collection that will be treasured for years to come.

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