Collector's Guide
Step-by-step instructions for beginners. Term dictionaries, storage guides, legal and tax advice.
Articles (299)
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How to Identify Valuable Varieties of the 2012 10-Ruble Coin
Among all 10-ruble coins issued in 2012, there are only four official varieties. Despite their apparent uniformity, three of these four variants are rare and are valued by collectors at significantly more than their face value.
Collector's GuideExpertise
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A Special Feature of Banknote Collecting: Pairs with Consecutive Serial Numbers
One of the interesting features in collecting paper currency, or notaphily, is acquiring banknotes in pairs with consecutive serial numbers. This principle applies to notes with unique sequential numbering, for example, banknotes of Russia and the USSR, starting from the "Shipovshchina" period.
Collector's Guide
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Collecting Belarusian Banknotes: From Circulating Currency to Rare Issues
The question of a banknote collection's value is not as simple as it first seems. It can be viewed from several perspectives. First, there are the personal costs the collector incurred to build the collection. Second, there is the current market value for which a similar collection could be assembled from scratch.
Collector's Guide
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Polishing Peter I's Grivennik: How to Remove Scratches from a Rare Coin
An interesting specimen came in for work: a 1718 grivennik of Peter I, encapsulated in a slab by the American grading company NGC. Such coins, especially in good condition, are of significant interest to numismatists.
ExpertiseCollector's Guide
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Banknotes of Belarus of the 2009 Series: A Collector's Album Review
The modern stage of currency circulation in Belarus is associated with the 2009 series banknotes, which were introduced into circulation in 2016. This period is of interest to collectors due to the existence of special issues and related materials.
Collector's Guide
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The Economics of Contemporary Art: Branding, Scarcity, and the Paradoxes of Price
The world of contemporary art operates under its own unique economic laws, where traditional concepts of value and scarcity are redefined. Here, the key role is played not only by the artistic merit of the works but also by factors such as branding, rarity, and the influence of the so-called 'gatekeepers' of the art market.
InvestmentsCollector's Guide
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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.
Collector's GuideExpertise
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A Collection of Modern Russian Banknotes: From Central Bank Booklets to the 5 Ruble Note of 1997
The collection of modern Russian banknotes, presented in the album, begins in 1995 with the introduction of the so-called "city series." In addition to the banknotes themselves, the collection is supplemented with official printed materials from the Bank of Russia, such as brochures and booklets, which gives it additional informational value.
Collector's GuideHistory of Things
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Varieties of the 1 Ruble 2009 MMD Coin: A Complete Identification Guide
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.
Collector's GuideExpertise
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10 Kopeks 1921: Silver Symbol of a New Era for the RSFSR
The 10 kopek coin of 1921 has a kind of 'dual soul.' On the one hand, its design still carries the legacy and 'breath' of the bygone empire, while on the other, it is a full-fledged symbol of the new government, a coin of the RSFSR.
Collector's GuideHistory of Things
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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.
Collector's GuideExpertise
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Gold Rubles of Catherine II: Varieties and Prices of 1762 and 1779 Coins
In 1762, a one-gold-ruble coin was issued, intended for the participants of the palace coup that brought Catherine II to power. The coin has several varieties, differing mainly in the mintmaster's initials and the mint mark.
Collector's GuideHistory of Things
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Value and Varieties of Polushka Coins of the Russian Empire from 1736–1745
In 1736, two main types of Polushka coins were issued, minted at different mints and distinguished by the depiction of the eagle on the reverse. These differences significantly affect the collectible value and market price of the coins.
Collector's GuideHistory of Things
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Gold Ruble of Elizabeth I's Era: Types, Characteristics, and Value
During the reign of Empress Elizabeth I, gold rubles of two main types were issued. The first type was serial coins intended for general circulation. The second was trial specimens minted for palace use. These coins have many varieties, differing by mint and design details.
History of ThingsCollector's Guide
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How to Avoid Mistakes at Coin Auctions: An Analysis of Real Lots
When participating in numismatic auctions, it's crucial to pay attention not only to the coin itself but also to the company that graded it and placed it in a slab. Different grading services have varying reputations in the market, which directly affects the final value and liquidity of the lot. It's a mistake to assume that the same grade from different companies is equivalent.
Auction NewsCollector's Guide
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The Local Money of Tsaritsyn: A History of Temporary Credit Notes
During the Civil War, the city of Tsaritsyn, later known as Stalingrad and now Volgograd, was a district town within the Saratov Governorate. Despite its status, it was a large and developing center that, like many other settlements in the former Russian Empire, faced serious economic difficulties.
History of ThingsCollector's Guide
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Investing in Silver Coins: A Review of New Releases and a Price Forecast for 2026
New and interesting series are emerging in the world of numismatics. For example, Rwanda has launched the 'Sporting Ounce' series, with its first coin dedicated to cyclists and dated 2025. This initiative is attracting the attention of collectors who will be watching the series' development.
InvestmentsCollector's Guide
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2 Kopecks 1816 Copper Coin: A Review of the Rare 'Cabbage' Specimen
The subject of this review is a copper coin of the Russian Empire with a denomination of 2 kopecks, dated 1816. In numismatic circles, such coins are known by the unofficial name 'cabbage'. This specimen belongs to the 'KM' and 'AM' types.
Collector's Guide
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Signs of Authenticity and Forgery of Silver Hallmarks from 1908-1917
The last state hallmark of the Russian Empire, used from 1908 to 1917, is distinguished by its complex execution, which makes it difficult to forge even with modern technologies. The original hallmarks were created by engravers of the Mint, and their craftsmanship is still difficult to replicate.
ExpertiseCollector's Guide
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How to Spot a Fake 5 Ruble 'Olympics-80' Coin
Fairly high-quality copies of silver coins from the 'Olympics-80' series can be found on the market. At first glance, such a counterfeit can look convincing, especially if it is in an album or capsule as part of a complete coin set.
ExpertiseCollector's Guide
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