Varieties of the 1924 Ruble: From 'Spike' to 'Square Windows'
The 1924 silver ruble has a design characteristic of its time. The obverse of the coin depicts the figures of a worker and a collective farmer, symbolizing the union of the proletariat and the peasantry. In the background, fields, factories, and a rising sun are visible, reflecting the ideology of the new state.
General Description of the 1924 Ruble
The 1924 silver ruble has a design characteristic of its time. The obverse of the coin depicts the figures of a worker and a collective farmer, symbolizing the union of the proletariat and the peasantry. In the background, fields, factories, and a rising sun are visible, reflecting the ideology of the new state.
On the reverse side is the coat of arms of the USSR. Below it is the denomination 'ONE RUBLE,' and around the circumference runs the slogan 'WORKERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE!'. This design was typical for many Soviet coins of that period.
Differences on the Reverse: The Number of Awns
One of the features that distinguish the varieties of the 1924 ruble is a detail on the side with the coat of arms. The difference lies in the number of awns on the ear of wheat located to the right of the globe, next to the ribbon.
- Standard version: the ear of wheat has one visible central awn.
- Rare version: the ear of wheat clearly shows two awns—the central one and another to its left.
The 'Spike' Variety and the Problem of Counterfeits
| Term | Description |
| 'Spike' Ruble | A variety of the 1924 ruble where one of the spikes of the harrow held by the peasant is displaced and appears to be growing out of his knee. On the standard coin, the spikes are located at the joints of the harrow. |
Interesting varieties also exist on the obverse of the coin. The most famous of them has received a special name in numismatic circles.
This ruble is also known because a genuine specimen fell into the hands of Chinese counterfeiters. They produced a huge number of copies of this specific variety. Because of this, many novice collectors, upon seeing the characteristic 'spike,' mistakenly consider the coin a fake, even though it is a real and valuable variety. Its value is approximately twice that of a regular 1924 ruble.
The 'Square Windows' Variety
Another rare variety of the 1924 ruble is associated with changes in the image on the obverse, likely resulting from a die repair. This coin has been named the 'Square Windows' variety.
- The windows on the factory building, located to the right of the worker, are square-shaped. On regular coins, the windows are oblong and rectangular.
- The chimney is missing from the building depicted against the background of the rising sun.
These characteristic details make this coin particularly interesting for collectors and significantly increase its rarity and value.
