1904 Russian 5 Ruble gold coin...

[cavindabush-migration]

Can anyone tell me where to look on the web to get the specifications of the aforementioned coin? I need to find size, weight, and maybe a few good pictures. Thanks.

[BillJones]

From Krause's World Coins :

 

Russian 5 rubles in gold - 4.3013 g. .900 gold, .1244 oz. AGW

 

I like these coins so long as you don't over pay for a slabbed one in high grade.

[cavindabush-migration]

Thanks Bill. I know this is a subjective question, but what value would you put on a NGC MS65? Thanks. Lee

[BillJones]

Sorry, I can't help you on that one. I have not owned on these in years.

[Mozin]

 

 

 

 

Check ebay for recent pricing. MS65 is likely about $10 less than MS66. This one cost me $90 back in 2000 when gold was a bit cheaper. $90 is about the current gold melt value and gold is now in demand, so I would think at least $130 to replace this coin today. Personally, I would not buy this issue below MS66. The jump from MS66 to MS67 is only about $30.

 

The Russian 5R is always in abundant supply. It is however much more difficult to find them encapsulated by a major grading service, almost always NGC. To me it is worth an extra $20-25 to have in the holder. This issue has been especially popular with counterfeiters.

[stinkycheese1]

This issue has been especially popular with counterfeiters.

 

Very interesting. I had no idea these were popular with counterfeiters. Thanks!

 

By the way, is it for sale?

 

[Mozin]

Had not considered selling it. I have multiples of 1902-4 dates in MS66, but I don't really need the money right now.

[BillJones]

This issue has been especially popular with counterfeiters.

 

Very interesting. I had no idea these were popular with counterfeiters. Thanks!

 

By the way, is it for sale?

 

The trouble is, as you can see from the photo of the MS-66 piece, the Russian mint did not maintain the dies very well on these coins. When you consider preservation AND how well the coin was made, I don't think that there are very many real GEM grade examples of this coin. A counterfeiter does not have to do a wonderful job to get close to the image of many of the genuine examples.

[Mozin]

BillJones is correct in saying how poorly these Russian 5 Roubles were made. Pretty sad...