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In 2009, the Moscow Mint (MMD) issued steel 1 ruble coins with plating, which have 13 official varieties. These variants differ in the details of the obverse and reverse dies, making them an interesting object for collectors.
In 2009, the Moscow Mint (MMD) issued steel 1 ruble coins with plating, which have 13 official varieties. These variants differ in the details of the obverse and reverse dies, making them an interesting object for collectors.
All 13 varieties can be conditionally divided into three groups based on their frequency of occurrence:
The N-3.42D die, although classified as common, is found slightly less frequently than other coins in this group.
| Die Type | Image Size | Position of the Left Leaves of the Ornament |
| Die 3.12 | Reduced | Connect before the rim |
| Die 3.3 | Enlarged | Separated, do not touch each other |
| Die 3.42 | Enlarged | Connect on the edge of the rim |
| Die 3.41 | Medium (intermediate) | Connect on the edge of the rim |
The primary method for initial sorting of the 1 ruble 2009 varieties involves analyzing the reverse (the side with the denomination). There are four main types of reverse dies, which differ in image size and the position of the floral ornament relative to the coin's rim.
The easiest way to determine the image size is by the length of the word 'РУБЛЬ' (RUBLE). The differences between the dies can be systematized as follows:
Thus, the coins are first divided into groups by the connection type of the ornament leaves, and then by the image size. This allows for a quick narrowing of the search for a specific variety.
After determining the reverse type, the obverse (the side with the eagle) must be analyzed. The obverse varieties are classified by the position of the mint monogram (MMD) relative to the eagle's claw. There are five main obverse dies, designated by letters from A to D.
For accurate identification, conditional lines can be used:
| Designation | Reverse Type | Obverse Type | Rarity |
| N-3.12A | 3.12 | A | Common |
| N-3.12B | 3.12 | B | Common |
| N-3.12V | 3.12 | V | Common |
| N-3.3A | 3.3 | A | Common |
| N-3.3B | 3.3 | B | Common |
| N-3.42D | 3.42 | D | Common (rarer than others) |
| N-3.12G | 3.12 | G | Uncommon |
| N-3.3V | 3.3 | V | Uncommon |
| N-3.41V | 3.41 | V | Uncommon |
| N-3.42A | 3.42 | A | Uncommon |
| N-3.3G | 3.3 | G | Rare |
| N-3.3D | 3.3 | D | Rare |
| N-3.42G | 3.42 | G | Very Rare |
The combination of reverse and obverse dies forms 13 unique varieties. They can be systematized by their degree of rarity for the convenience of collecting.
Such a classification allows collectors to systematically assemble the entire series of coins, starting from the most accessible and ending with rare specimens.
