1895 АГ Russia 50 Kopeks Silver Coin – Nicholas II Era Imperial Issue
The 1895 Russia 50 Kopeks Silver Coin is a remarkable numismatic artifact from the reign of Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Imperial Russia. Struck at the St. Petersburg Mint and bearing the АГ mintmaster’s initials, this early issue represents the beginning of a reign that would see immense transformation, turmoil, and ultimately the fall of the Russian Empire.
Minted in solid silver and designed with exquisite imperial symbolism, this coin captures a key moment in Russian history. For collectors of Russian Imperial coinage, the 1895 50 Kopeks is more than just a denomination—it’s a relic from the dawn of a dramatic final chapter in Romanov rule.
🔗 Click here to view or acquire the 1895 Russia 50 Kopeks Silver Coin
👑 The Rise of Nicholas II
In 1894, Nicholas II ascended to the Russian throne following the death of his father, Alexander III. His coronation was steeped in tradition and optimism, with the empire hopeful for continuity and strength. The coinage struck during these early years, such as the 1895 50 Kopeks, reflects that era’s commitment to imperial prestige and authority.
This coin was among the first silver issues to carry the youthful portrait of Nicholas II, soon to become one of the most tragic figures in modern European history.
📌 Coin Specifications
- Country: Russian Empire
- Year: 1895
- Denomination: 50 Kopeks
- Metal: Silver (.500 fine)
- Weight: 10 grams
- Diameter: ~26.67 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint: St. Petersburg
- Mintmark: АГ (Mintmaster A. Grasgov)
- Obverse: Bare-headed bust of Nicholas II
- Reverse: Russian double-headed eagle with denomination and date
- Strike: Business strike
- Mintage: Limited
⚔️ Design & Symbolism
The obverse of the coin displays a sharp and youthful profile of Nicholas II, facing left, without crown or beard—emphasizing his emerging role as a modernizing tsar. The fine engraving reflects the precision typical of late 19th-century Russian minting.
The reverse features the bold imperial double-headed eagle, grasping a scepter and orb, with St. George on the chest shield—a symbol of military valor and Orthodox Christian faith. Surrounding the image is the denomination and the year of issue.
Every element of this design reinforces the Romanov dynasty’s claim to divine rule and its long-standing traditions.
💎 Collectibility and Historical Context
This 50 Kopeks coin is particularly interesting to collectors for several reasons:
- It is one of the earliest silver coinage issues of Nicholas II’s reign
- The coin reflects pre-reform Russian monetary standards
- Its mintage was relatively limited compared to later coins
- Surviving specimens in higher grades are not easy to locate, especially those not cleaned or damaged
- It embodies the aesthetics and political messaging of late Imperial Russia
Because it precedes major monetary reforms and the socio-political unrest that followed the turn of the century, the 1895 issue is a stable-point representation of a moment before upheaval.
🌍 Who Collects This Coin?
The 1895 Russia 50 Kopeks Silver Coin attracts:
- Collectors of Imperial Russian coinage
- Historians focused on the Romanov dynasty
- World silver coin enthusiasts
- Specialists in 19th-century European monarchies
- Numismatists building date sets of Nicholas II coinage
Its modest denomination, paired with rich design and historic weight, gives it broad appeal.
📈 Rarity & Preservation
While 50 Kopeks may seem like a common denomination, the 1895 issue remains relatively scarce. Early Nicholas II silver issues—especially with the АГ mintmark—are often missing from collections in top grades.
Because these circulated widely, examples with full detail, original surfaces, and undamaged edges are becoming increasingly difficult to source. As interest in Romanov-era coinage grows, this coin’s significance will only become more pronounced.
It is a valuable and highly sought-after silver coin for collectors of both Russian history and classic European numismatics.
🧭 A Window into Pre-Revolutionary Russia
More than just silver, this coin reflects the identity of a nation on the brink of great change. In just over two decades after its issue, Nicholas II would abdicate, and the Romanov dynasty would fall—ending centuries of imperial rule.
As such, this 50 Kopeks piece is more than a collectible—it is a tangible witness to a vanished empire.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The 1895 Russia 50 Kopeks Silver Coin, issued during the first full year of Nicholas II’s reign, holds immense historical and numismatic importance. Struck in silver and bearing the craftsmanship of the St. Petersburg Mint, it embodies the hopes of a young emperor and the enduring elegance of Russian imperial coinage.
Whether you’re collecting silver coins, Russian monarchic artifacts, or world numismatics from the 19th century, this issue delivers a powerful combination of artistry, rarity, and historical resonance.
🔗 Click here to view or acquire the 1895 Russia 50 Kopeks Silver Coin