1855 Nicholas I 1 Kopek

The 1855 1 kopek under Nicholas I was struck during the depths of the Crimean War, using copper that was often recycled from older coins to stretch scarce resources.

That makes for a coin with a surprisingly lightweight feel, given the empire's economic strains. The obverse shows Nicholas's monogram encircled by a wreath, while the reverse simply states the value in a no-nonsense Cyrillic script. Variations in strike quality are common, owing to the haste at which they were produced.

We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from the St. Petersburg Mint around that time are spotty at best. What I can say is that these pieces circulated widely in rural areas, serving as small change for peasants and soldiers alike.

Finding one in decent condition today is like spotting a samovar in a scrap yard.