Varieties and Value of the 1 Ruble 2005 SPMD Coin
In 2005, 1-ruble coins were issued by both Russian mints. Among the specimens produced at the Saint Petersburg Mint (SPMD), there are rare varieties whose value among numismatists can reach 3,000 rubles and more.
General Characteristics of the 1 Ruble 2005 SPMD Coin
| Characteristic | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Material | Copper-nickel alloy (cupronickel) |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Thickness | 1.50 mm |
| Weight | 3.25 g |
| Edge | 110 reeds |
In 2005, 1-ruble coins were issued by both Russian mints. Among the specimens produced at the Saint Petersburg Mint (SPMD), there are rare varieties whose value among numismatists can reach 3,000 rubles and more.
The coin is a white-colored disc with a raised rim around the circumference on both the obverse and reverse sides. The main technical specifications of the coin are presented in the table.
Description of the Obverse and Reverse
The coin's design has distinctive features that are important to know for identifying its varieties. The obverse (front) side contains several key elements.
- In the center is the emblem of the Bank of Russia — a double-headed eagle with lowered wings.
- Below the eagle, the inscription 'БАНК РОССИИ' (BANK OF RUSSIA) runs in a semicircle.
- At the top, along the circumference, the denomination is indicated — 'ОДИН РУБЛЬ' (ONE RUBLE).
- In the lower part of the disc, there are two horizontal lines separated by a dot, and below them is the year of minting, '2005'.
- To the right, under the eagle's claw, is the monogram of the Saint Petersburg Mint — the letters 'СПМД'.
On the reverse side, in the center and shifted to the left, is the numeral '1', and below it, the word 'РУБЛЬ' (RUBLE). To the right and bottom, along the rim, there is a stylized plant ornament in the form of a curved branch.
Varieties of Obverse Dies
| Die | Eagle's plumage | Position of inscriptions | Numeral '5' in the date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A | Wide feathers | Close to the rim | Middle part is raised, end is oval |
| B | Wide feathers | Far from the rim | Middle part is raised, end is oval |
| V | Wide feathers | Far from the rim | Middle part is lowered, end is rounded |
| G | Narrow feathers | Far from the rim | Middle part is lowered, end is rounded |
Among the 1 Ruble 2005 SPMD coins, numismatists distinguish one type of reverse die (1.13) and four varieties of the obverse, designated by the letters 'A', 'B', 'V', and 'G'. Their differences lie in the details of the eagle's image, the placement of the inscriptions, and the shape of the numeral '5' in the minting date.
The 1.13 reverse die is characterized by curved crossbars on the letters 'Р' and 'Б', a narrow rim, and the design elements are distant from it. The key differences of the obverses are presented in the table for ease of comparison.
Value and Rarity of Varieties
| Obverse Variety | Approximate Value |
| --- | --- |
| Die 'A' | Face value (1 ruble) |
| Die 'B' | from 3,000 rubles |
| Die 'V' | 500 rubles (in mint condition) |
| Die 'G' | 500 rubles (in mint condition) |
The value of the 1 Ruble 2005 SPMD coin directly depends on its obverse variety. Most coins in circulation are common and of no collectible interest, but some varieties are valued significantly higher than their face value.
The rarest and most expensive is variety 'B'. Specimens in high-grade condition, with a distinct mint luster, without scratches or nicks, are valued especially highly. Coins of varieties 'V' and 'G' are also of interest, but their value is lower.
