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Among Ukrainian coins, one of the most discussed and mysterious is the 10 kopecks of 1992. It is popularly nicknamed the 'six-berry coin'. This seemingly ordinary coin can be very difficult to identify, even for experienced numismatists, and many myths surround its value.
Among Ukrainian coins, one of the most discussed and mysterious is the 10 kopecks of 1992. It is popularly nicknamed the 'six-berry coin'. This seemingly ordinary coin can be very difficult to identify, even for experienced numismatists, and many myths surround its value.
This circulation coin was minted at the Luhansk Machine-Tool Plant. Different types of dies were used in the production process, which led to the emergence of a large number of varieties. Because of this, not all 10 kopecks 1992 coins are the same — each can have its own unique features.
There are both common and very rare specimens, the value of which can reach 20,000 hryvnias at auctions. It is the knowledge of these differences that allows one to identify a valuable Ukrainian coin and not miss a rare find.
| Obverse Die Type | Key Features |
| Die 1 | Middle trident prong is thickened at the top, the number one in the date has a tail ('Italian' variety). |
| Die 2 | Thin middle trident prong. |
| Die 3 | Thick middle trident prong. |
| Die 4 | Incuse trident ('English' variety). |
To understand which 10 kopecks 1992 coin is valuable, it is necessary to understand its varieties, which are determined by the dies of the obverse (the side with the coat of arms) and the reverse (the side with the denomination). According to catalogs, there are several main types of dies.
The reverse dies also have their differences, which are often related to the shape and number of berries in the clusters. Six reverse dies are known (АА, БА, ВА, ГА, ДА, ЕА), differing in the shape of the clusters and the size of the berries. For example, on the АА die, the second cluster has the shape of a right-angled triangle, while on the БА die, it is obtuse-angled. The coin's marking, for example '1.34EAm', is a catalog designation that helps to accurately identify its variety.
The most famous and valuable among the 10 kopecks of 1992 are the so-called 'six-berry coins'. These are varieties that have six berries in the third and sixth clusters on the reverse. It is these coins that are of the greatest interest to collectors, and their value can be very high.
Numismatists do not buy all coins indiscriminately; they are only interested in rare varieties. If you find a valuable specimen, you can sell it profitably. There are specialized platforms for this.
On these resources, you can not only sell a coin but also get an expert appraisal of its value.
One of the valuable varieties is 1.34EAm, also known as the 'Italian mintage'. This coin can be identified by several characteristic features.
At the 'Violity' auction in February 2025, such a specimen was sold for 4,002 hryvnias. This price confirms the high demand for this variety among collectors.
Another interesting 'six-berry coin' is the 2.1DAk variety. Its main features are a narrow middle trident prong, six berries in clusters #3 and #6, and coarse reeding on the edge. It is the coarse reeding that makes this coin more expensive.
There is a very similar coin, 2.1DAm, which has fine reeding on its edge. This seemingly insignificant detail drastically affects the value: while the coin with fine reeding (2.1DAm) is valued at 100–200 hryvnias, the specimen with coarse reeding (2.1DAk) is significantly more expensive.
For example, at the 'Violity' auction, a 2.1DAk coin was sold for 500 hryvnias. This shows how important it is to pay attention to all details, including the edge.
Among the 'six-berry coins' are some truly rare specimens whose price at auctions reaches thousands of hryvnias. One such variety is 3.11DAm. Its features include: a thick middle trident prong, a wide slit by the sixth grain in the second ear of wheat, 6 berries in the required clusters, and fine reeding on the edge. This coin is so rare that it has appeared at auctions only a few times. The last sale in March 2024 was for 14,505 hryvnias.
Another valuable variety is 3.12DAm. It is very similar to the previous one: it also has a thick middle trident prong and fine reeding. However, the key difference is a narrow slit by the sixth grain in the second ear of wheat. The last recorded sale of this coin was in March 2021 for 7,500 hryvnias, but considering inflation and the rise of the dollar exchange rate, its current value could reach 15,000 hryvnias.
The 3.31ZhAg variety holds a special place in numismatics. Finding such a coin is almost impossible, as it is considered one of the first trial coins minted at the Luhansk Plant. Its key feature is that it is 'unfinished,' meaning it completely lacks reeding on the edge.
This unique coin was sold at auction on May 13, 2024, for 15,000 hryvnias. Given its exceptional rarity, its price today could be even higher.
In addition to specific varieties, manufacturing defects can also add value to a coin. These include poorly struck elements on the obverse (leaves, grains) or clumped berries on the reverse. Such specimens are also of interest to collectors.