Nicholas II Coin Collection: An Overview and Value of a Year Set

Album for Coins from the Reign of Nicholas II

For organizing numismatic collections, there are specialized albums, such as the 'Kolleksioner' (Collector) series. A special place within it is occupied by the volume dedicated to coins from the reign of Nicholas II, covering the period from 1894 to 1917.

This storage format allows for convenient organization of the collection by year of issue, visually tracking progress and missing specimens. The album provides a structured approach to collecting, which is especially valuable when working with a year set — a collection of all coin denominations for each year of minting.

Structure and Total Value of the Collection

The Nicholas II coin album is designed for 273 slots, which allows for accommodating a complete year set, excluding the rarest specimens. Such a well-thought-out structure makes the goal of filling the album achievable for a collector.

The album's structure covers all denominations of coins that were in circulation. It begins with copper coins and ends with silver and gold ones.

According to preliminary estimates, the cost of completely filling all the slots in this album with coins in average condition is an impressive sum — about 1,365,000 rubles. This figure is comparable to the price of a one-bedroom apartment in a small Russian city.

Additions to the Collection: Copper Coins

This season, the collection was expanded with 14 copper coins. One of the key acquisitions was a 1 kopek coin from 1906, which made it possible to complete the year set for this denomination. Now, the entire series of '1 kopek' denomination coins is complete.

Additionally, other copper coins were added to the album, bringing the completion of the respective sections much closer.

• 1/4 kopek: 1899
• 1 kopek: 1906
• 2 kopeks: 1896, 1897, 1899, 1902, 1909, 1912, 1916
• 3 kopeks: 1898, 1901, 1909, 1912, 1915

Each new coin is a step towards the cherished goal. The next task could be to complete the year set of two-kopek coins, where only six slots remain to be filled.

Additions to the Collection: Silver Coins

In addition to copper, the collection was also expanded with seven silver coins of various denominations. These coins take their places on separate album pages designated for silver.

The new specimens include both small and large denominations, including a one-ruble coin. Adding silver coins is an important stage, as they often hold greater numismatic and material value.

• 5 kopeks: 1898
• 10 kopeks: 1912
• 15 kopeks: 1912, 1915
• 20 kopeks: 1909, 1915
• 1 ruble: 1897

Results and Prospects for Collecting

Over two collecting seasons, 82 out of 273 slots have been filled. Last season, 61 coins were added, and this season, 20. Despite the modest results of the last season, an important milestone has been reached — the year set of one-kopek coins is now complete.

The process of filling such an album is a long-term and fascinating activity. Some coins, especially from rare years, are quite difficult to find. However, each new specimen brings satisfaction and moves closer to completing a unique historical collection.

Future plans include searching for missing coins for other denominations, primarily to complete the series of two-kopek coins. Collecting tsarist coins requires patience, knowledge, and constant searching, which makes the process particularly interesting.