Russian coins

 

The first thing that caught my eyes was the beautiful calligraphy ! 

The cover has three of  four stamps from a minisheet comommerating the 150th anniversary of Bank of Russia. 

Bank of Russia was formed in 1860 by the then Emperor of Russia - Alexander II . It existed as the Dyate bank of the Russian empire ( Gosbank ) till 1917. With the Russian revolution and formation of USSR after the abdication and assassination of Nicholas II, it became the state bank of Soviet Union ( Gosbank) in 1922. In 1990, with the dissolution of USSR, it became the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. 

Bank of Russia 

The minisheet features four coins issued by the bank over the period of 150 years - each coin representing a significant period in its history ! 

Usage - 1855 to 1876

The coin features Alexander II monogram. 

Alexander II was the Emperor of Russia / King of Poland / Duke of Finland from 1855 to 1881.

Usage - 1895 to 1915

The 50 kopeck coin features the face of Nicholas II. 

Nicholas II was the Emperor of Russia / Grand prince of Finland / Titular King of Poland . His despotic rule brought the decline of Russian Empire and the October revolution . He ruled from 1894 till his abdication in 1917. 

Usage - 1924 to 1927

The coin features a blacksmith and anvil. 

Usage - 1997 to date 

The coin features St. George riding a horse and slaying a dragon. The story goes that St. George slated the dragon hungry for a human offering and thereby saving the next princess who was in line as an offering. Also, he is the patron saint in England and is popular in Russia too, with both countries having issued coins on him. 

Thanks Anastasia for the cover !