Gold Ruble of Elizabeth I's Era: Types, Characteristics, and Value
During the reign of Empress Elizabeth I, gold rubles of two main types were issued. The first type was serial coins intended for general circulation. The second was trial specimens minted for palace use. These coins have many varieties, differing by mint and design details.
General Characteristics of Elizabeth I's Gold Rubles
| Characteristic | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Material | 917 fineness gold |
| Weight | 1.60 g |
| Diameter | 15–16 mm |
| Edge | Corded with a right slant (on serial coins) |
| Edge (trial) | Can be smooth |
During the reign of Empress Elizabeth I, gold rubles of two main types were issued. The first type was serial coins intended for general circulation. The second was trial specimens minted for palace use. These coins have many varieties, differing by mint and design details.
The obverse (front side) of a standard ruble features a right-facing portrait of Elizabeth I. Around the circumference is an inscription where all words and letters are separated by a dot: 'Б.М. ЕЛИСАВЕТА.I.IМПЕРАТРИЦА. И.САМОДЕРЖИЦА.ВСЕРОССIИСКАЯ' (By the Grace of God, Elizabeth I, Empress and Autocrat of All Russia). The reverse (back side) displays the coat of arms of the Russian Empire—a double-headed eagle. The year of issue and the inscription 'МОН. ЦЕНА РУБЛЬ' (Coin. Value Ruble), written with abbreviated words separated by a dot, are also indicated.
These coins were made from 917 fineness gold. The main technical parameters were standardized, but trial specimens could have differences, such as a smooth edge instead of a corded one.
The 1756 Gold Ruble
The first type of gold ruble from this period was issued in 1756. There were two main varieties of this coin, the key difference between them being the place of minting.
- In Saint Petersburg
- In Moscow
The value of these rubles on the numismatic market varies depending on their condition and specific variety. The price for such specimens starts from 150,000 rubles and can reach 350,000 rubles.
The 1757 Gold Ruble and Its Varieties
The 1757 gold ruble was minted in several varieties, which differed in the initials of the mintmaster and the portrait master. The obverse of the coin depicts a portrait of Empress Elizabeth I wearing a crown, with her hair adorned with pearls and stones. The reverse is decorated with a double-headed eagle.
- Portrait by Scott with the initials ИМ.
- Coin from the Red Mint with the initials МВ.
- Portrait by Scott with an eagle by Dassier.
- Rare palace coins with a portrait by Dassier.
The value of these coins varies greatly. Relatively common types with a portrait by Scott and the initials ИБ or ИМ (SPB) can be worth up to 1 million rubles. A rarer variety with an eagle by Dassier is valued at up to 1.5 million rubles. The rarest specimens, such as coins by Dassier with the initials ЯИ (SPB), can reach a price of 3 million rubles.
The 1758 Gold Ruble
In 1758, another version of the gold ruble was issued. Externally, it was similar to the coins of previous years: the same portrait of Elizabeth I, inscriptions, and a double-headed eagle on the reverse, as well as a corded edge. Minting was carried out at the Moscow and Saint Petersburg mints.
These coins also had several varieties and were mainly issued for palace use. The value directly depends on the mint, the mintmaster's initials, and the mintage.
More common specimens, for example, those minted at the Moscow Mint with the letters ЕИ, can be worth up to 100,000 rubles in excellent condition. Rare variants issued in Saint Petersburg (SPB) with the letters ЯИ or НК, in good condition, are valued significantly higher—their price can exceed 300,000 rubles.
