I've got a bunch, mostly from the 1980s in cupro-nickel. Also some of the modern Russian silver commems and a few modern gold coins. Probably my favorite would have to be the Hermitage commemorative, at least of the silver.
I also have Virgo in both the quarter ounce gold and the silver 3 Rouble. Though worth far less than the gold, I think I like her in silver better than gold, if only because the coin is considerably larger.
Last but not least, one of my favorite copper-nickel coins. Krause calls it "St. Petersburg Palace". Clearly, it is actually Peterhof. Most of these proofs had mintages in the 300k range, far lower than the regular circulation finish coins. On top of that, most of the proofs are now impaired, it's real difficult to find pristine examples. None of mine are really perfect either. I can see a day where PF68 specimens are worth a small fortune, there simply aren't any of them around even though the catalog value on the issue is very modest.
I've only been once, but it was during the white nights of summer, I believe it was 2000. Was in Russia 7 or 8 times between 1993 and 2002, spent most of my time in St. Petersburg with in-laws.
Siberian Man, The second photo on your first post depicts a famous WWII photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USSROfficerTT33.JPG
Here is the photo of my great-grandfather (his name was Ivan Isaenko) & his soldiers from an old newspaper. The caption says: "This is the mortar of the sergeant-major Ivan Isaenko. Ivan isaenko & his soldiers have killed 60 fascists, destroyed German anti-tank gun & 4 machine guns. My great-grandfather is the man behind the mortar.
"The Motherland - родина - rodina" she is statue that is tallest free standing in the world and she is in Volgograd(old Stalingrad), she is also miniature statue I have in cabinet in the kitchen as reminder. BTW I must mention that it is possible to find sometimes these coins for face value in the banks, at least the 10 rubles coins. The other silver and gold coins can sometimes be found in banks - but sell at a significant premium and I usually do not bother with them.
Nice i always wanted to buy the gold and silver Virgo coin, i have the Leo. Let me know if you ever interested in selling them :hail: