Alexander I 5 Kopeks

The 5 Kopeks coin from Alexander I's reign was struck using copper sourced from the Ural mines, often of variable quality due to wartime demands.

That inconsistency meant planchets sometimes warped under the hammer, resulting in coins that look like they’ve been through a few battles themselves. Early strikes featured a simple obverse with the emperor's monogram and a reverse eagle, all in a design that changed little from Paul I's era.

We don't know exact mintage figures; records from the St. Petersburg mint were spotty, and some burned in the 1837 fire. Variations exist, like edge lettering that wore off quickly in circulation.

If you're hunting for rarities, the 1816 issue might surprise you—it's common enough to turn up in grandma's drawer.