Russian Saint George the Victorious 50 Rubles Gold Coin
Coin (Bullion, Numismatic) · Yellow Gold (High Purity). The deep, rich golden hue is characteristic of unalloyed 24K gold, which lacks the copper or silver additives found in lower-karat jewelry.
Purity: 99.9% pure gold (.999 fine). As 24K gold, it contains virtually no alloying metals, making it one of the purest investment-grade coins.
Type
Coin (Bullion, Numismatic)
Purity
99.9% pure gold (.999 fine). As 24K gold, it contains virtually no alloying metals, making it one of the purest investment-grade coins.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High Purity). The deep, rich golden hue is characteristic of unalloyed 24K gold, which lacks the copper or silver additives found in lower-karat jewelry.
Weight
7.78 grams (1/4 troy ounce) of fine gold. Total weight matches the gold content exactly due to its 24K composition.
Description
The Saint George the Victorious gold coin is the flagship bullion product of the Russian Federation. The obverse depicts Saint George on horseback, poised with a spear slaying a dragon, a symbol deeply rooted in Russian heraldry and statehood. The design is elegant and classical, rendered with sharp relief against a lustrous gold field.
Key Features
Reverse strike of Saint George; 'Bank of Russia' Cyrillic lettering; high fineness .999 gold stamp; Moscow/SPB mint mark.
Color & Finish
Deep, warm yellow with a satin-like luster typical of bullion strikes. The image shows some surface patina and possible contact marks (bag marks), with a matte background and slightly frosted relief.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'M' or 'СП' mint mark near the horse's hoof identifies the Moscow or Saint Petersburg Mint. The reverse (not shown) would specify 'Au 999' and '7,78'. The obverse features 'БАНК РОССИИ' (Bank of Russia).
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of 22.60 mm and a thickness of 1.60 mm. Standard 1/4 oz bullion size specifications.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a pure bullion specimen with focus on metal value and numismatic design.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge. The coin features vertical serrations along the side to prevent metal shaving and as a security feature.
Chain & Links
Standard coin edge; reeded with precisely spaced vertical lines. No chain is present.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-struck bullion. Excellent detail in the horse's musculature and the scales of the dragon. Fine lettering with sharp, clear edges characteristic of modern state-minted coinage.
Authentication Indicators
Correct Cyrillic font and spacing; specific 'M' mint mark placement; satin finish consistent with Russian minting standards; diameter-to-thickness ratio appears correct. Pure gold non-magnetic property should be verified.
Origin & Maker
Russia; Minted by either the Moscow Mint (MMD) or Saint Petersburg Mint (SPMD) on behalf of the Bank of Russia.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2000s-Present). This specific series began in 2006 to replace the Chervonets as the primary Russian gold bullion coin.
Age Estimate
Circa 2006-2023. The date at the bottom of the coin is slightly obscured but appears to be from the late 2000s or 2010s series.
Cultural Significance
Represents the triumph of good over evil. Saint George has been a symbol of Russia since the 14th century and appears on the national coat of arms.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent (Numismatic grade likely AU-UNC). Visual evidence of minor handling marks and potential toning on the lower third, which is common for high-purity gold which is naturally soft.
Value Estimate
Valued primarily on spot gold price for 1/4 oz plus a 5-10% mint premium. If a rare year or high-grade slabbed specimen, premium can increase significantly.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid touching the surface with bare hands as skin oils can cause toning over time. Store in a PVC-free plastic capsule. Do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value.
Similar Items
1/4 oz American Gold Eagle (22K), 1/4 oz British Britannia (24K), or the USSR Chervonets (8.6g of .900 gold). Unlike the Eagle, this coin is pure 24K.
Interesting Facts
Saint George is the patron saint of Moscow. This coin was introduced because the previous gold bullion coin, the 'Chervonets,' was becoming scarce and had an older Soviet-era design.