1766 Catherine II 10 Kopeks

In 1766, Catherine II's 10 Kopeks coin was struck using copper from the Ural mines, a move that helped stabilize Russia's currency amid post-war shortages.

That copper wasn't always pure; some planchets came from remelted scrap, reflecting the practicalities of her reforms. The obverse shows her monogram, while the reverse bears the imperial eagle, all in a simple, workmanish design. Mintage records for that year? Likely destroyed in the 1838 Moscow fire, so we're left guessing.

Variations in edge serrations suggest quality control wasn't perfect, even for an enlightened despot. As for myths about their rarity, I've seen enough in dusty collections to know they're more common than tales make them out to be.