Value of the 1 Ruble 1997 Coin (SPMD): Varieties and Rare Errors
The 1 Ruble coin of 1997 was minted at the Saint Petersburg Mint (SPMD). Its reverse features a large numeral '1' shifted to the left of center, with the inscription 'РУБЛЬ' (RUBLE) underneath. The design is complemented by a plant ornament on the right and partially on the left.
General Description of the 1 Ruble 1997 SPMD Coin
| Characteristic | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Material | Cupronickel (80% copper and 20% nickel alloy) |
| Weight | 3.25 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Edge | Reeded, 110 reeds |
| Magnetic properties | None |
The 1 Ruble coin of 1997 was minted at the Saint Petersburg Mint (SPMD). Its reverse features a large numeral '1' shifted to the left of center, with the inscription 'РУБЛЬ' (RUBLE) underneath. The design is complemented by a plant ornament on the right and partially on the left.
The obverse of the coin is adorned with the emblem of the Bank of Russia — a double-headed eagle with its wings down. Above it, in a semicircle, is the inscription 'БАНК РОССИИ' (BANK OF RUSSIA). Under the eagle's left talon is the mint mark — 'СПМД' (SPMD). At the bottom, the denomination 'ОДИН РУБЛЬ' (ONE RUBLE) and the year of issue '1997' are indicated. The obverse and reverse have a medallic alignment, meaning no rotation (0°).
The coin is made of cupronickel and is therefore not magnetic. The mintage of this coin is unknown.
Die Varieties: Straight and Curved Crossbar
| Die (per A. Stashkin's catalog) | Distinguishing Feature |
| --- | --- |
| 1.11 | Crossbar of the letter 'Б' is straight |
| 1.13 | Crossbar of the letter 'Б' is curved |
There are two main varieties of this coin, which differ in the execution of the reverse die. The key difference is the shape of the lower part of the upper crossbar of the letter 'Б' in the word 'РУБЛЬ' (RUBLE). It can be either straight or curved.
This seemingly minor detail allows for the classification of coins and the determination of their specific die. In Alexander Stashkin's catalog, these varieties have unique designations that help collectors with accurate identification.
Identifying the variety requires careful examination of the coin, often with a magnifying glass. The collectible value of the specimen directly depends on the die type.
Value of Standard Varieties
The value of a common 1 Ruble 1997 SPMD coin ranges from its face value up to 300 rubles for specimens in perfect (Uncirculated) condition. However, on online auctions, prices can be significantly higher, especially if the coin has been professionally graded and encapsulated in a special holder (slab).
The price of a specific variety also differs. For example, a coin with die 1.13 (curved crossbar of the letter 'Б') from circulation can be worth around 49 rubles. On online platforms, such as 'Meshok.net', real-time prices for these varieties range from 5-10 rubles to 100 rubles per piece, depending on the condition and the seller.
Rare Mint Errors and Their Value
In addition to standard varieties, coins with minting errors are of particular value. Such specimens are rare and highly prized by collectors.
There are several types of errors for this coin:
- Clipped Planchet. This error occurs when a planchet is struck again by the blanking punch. The value of a coin with a large clip can exceed 1200 rubles.
- Full Die Crack. A crack in the die leaves a raised line on the coin. Depending on the prominence of the error, the value of such coins can range from 1000 to 3000 rubles.
- Struck on a wrong planchet. There are coins mistakenly struck on thicker and heavier planchets intended for 2 or 5 ruble denominations. The weight of such a 'heavy' ruble is about 3.71 grams (instead of the standard 3.25 g), and its collectible value can reach 3000–5000 rubles.
