Recently, I came across a slew of pure gold coins from Russia. Sadly, my camera is out of commission right now, but I'll give you the best description possible. On one side of the coin is a picture of Czar Nikolai. On the other, an eagle with the date 1897 and "15g" (which I assume means 15 grams of gold). On the outside trim of the coin is a series of inscriptions that I can't for sure understand; I think it might have to do with the quality of the gold, though. If anyone has any idea as to how much these are worth, please let me know. Sorry in advance for the faint description.
It is always helpful to include the diameter and measured weight in the description of a coin you are inquiring about without a picture. If yours has a 24mm diameter, and weighs 12.9039g, the closest thing I can find in the 19th Century Standard Catalog of World Coins is Y#65.1, a 15 rouble coin struck at St. Petersburg, without a mint mark. There are two varieties, one with a narrow rim and four letters of the legend under the neck, and the other with a wide rim and no part of the legend under the neck. The principal difference between your description and the picture of the coin is that "15" is followed by the cyrillic letters for Rouble, not a "g". A quick scan of the pictures in Krause does not turn up any with the weight instead of the denomination included in the legends. Except in the very highest grades, the coin is listed at bullion value. The 15 Rouble is .900 gold, with an AGW of .3734 oz., so it's probably worth ~$245.
As I said, except in the very highest grades it's listed at bullion value. I wouldn't think of guessing its grade from your description, and I don't think anyone else will either, so without a picture I'll stick with ~$245. Both varieties are valued at $300 Unc., but could be worth more in MS65+. Here's a link to an AU58 sold by Teletrade in 2004 for less than current bullion value:
15 ruble coins are actually worth an insane amount these days. Without posting any pictures, I have no idea how much to tell you how much it's worth but I can safely assure you that 300 dollars is way too cheap for a one year type. I haven't seen a 15 ruble gold coin for the past year.
Hmm, okay. I have four of the 15 rubles, four of the 10 rubles, and five of the 5 rubles. Sounds like a lot of cash? Thanks.
Yes quite a fair bit assuming if they are not counterfeit. There are some ultra high quality counterfeits appearing out these days so hopefully you don't have any of such. A 5 ruble these days averages at least 100USD, 10 rubles at more than 300+ and 15 rubles at 400+ so you do have to be serious in taking photographs if you are intending to sell them. Nice lot by the way.
