Coin “Sower” 1923

 

In October 1922, simultaneously with the decision to issue 10-ruble banknotes, the government of Soviet Russia adopted a decree to mint gold chervonets coins. The new coin almost entirely replicated the pre-revolutionary design: it weighed 8.6 grams and had a 900 fineness (90% gold, 10% copper). In 1923, 2.751 million coins were minted at the Petrograd Mint.

 

The obverse of the chervonets featured the RSFSR coat of arms, while the reverse depicted a peasant sower — a symbol of labor and renewal. This image is based on a sculpture by Ivan Dmitrievich Shadr, which is still held in the Tretyakov Gallery today.

 

The main purpose of the gold chervonets was for international trade settlements; domestically, it was rarely used. However, abroad, the coin was often received with caution due to its Soviet symbolism. For this reason, in 1925–1927, the Leningrad Mint issued gold coins of 5 and 10 rubles, repeating the design of pre-revolutionary chervonets from the times of Nicholas II. These coins were then freely used in international trade.

 

Trial Issues of 1925

 

In 1925, trial coins of a new type were produced, featuring the Soviet Union’s coat of arms instead of the RSFSR emblem. Today, these coins are considered rare numismatic treasures: only five gold coins and one copper coin were minted.

 

In April 2008, the copper coin from this series was sold at a Moscow auction for USD 63,000. Currently, three gold specimens are held at the Goznak Museum, and two more are in the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. One-sided brass impressions can be seen at the Saint Petersburg Mint Museum and the Hermitage.

 

Over time, gold chervonets were withdrawn from circulation due to the shift to foreign currency and gold bullion settlements, as well as the strengthening of the country’s financial system.

 

Reissues 1975–1982

 

In 1975, the State Bank of the USSR resumed minting the “Sower” chervonets. In the first year, 250,000 coins were minted, and from 1976 to 1982, the annual issue was about one million coins in UNC condition.

 

For the 1980 Olympic Games, an additional 100,000 coins of improved quality (proof) were produced. They were minted at the Moscow and Leningrad Mints, marked with the abbreviations MMD and LMD.

 

Chervonets in the Post-Soviet Period

 

After the collapse of the USSR, the story of the gold chervonets continued. Coins issued in 1975–1982 retained their status as legal tender until January 1, 1999. After the 1998 redenomination, this status was lost, but in 2001 the Bank of Russia decided to return the chervonets to circulation.

 

Today, the gold chervonets “Sower” is among the key investment coins of the Central Bank of Russia. Its value is determined daily and depends on the market price of gold.