1730 Russia 10 Kopeks Anna Ivanovna

The 1730 Anna Ivanovna 10 Kopeks was struck from silver likely sourced from melted foreign coins, including Spanish reales, as Russia bolstered its economy amid European trade wars.

That silver content varied, sometimes reaching 91.6% fineness, depending on the original material. Dies for these coins were hand-engraved in St. Petersburg, capturing Anna's stern profile with minimal artistic flair. Mintage figures are uncertain; records from her reign were poorly kept and later scattered.

One oddity: the coin's edge is often uneven, a byproduct of hasty pressing that would make modern minters wince.

We don't know exactly how many circulated before being hoarded or lost, but examples in decent condition are rare today.