Russian 5 Kopeks 1994

In 1994, Russia reintroduced the double-headed eagle on its coins for the first time since the 1917 Revolution, a design echo from the imperial past amid the rubble of Soviet collapse.

Struck in copper-plated steel at the Leningrad Mint, this 5 kopeks piece weighs about 2.5 grams and measures 17.5 millimeters across. The obverse bears the eagle with its shields and scepter; the reverse, a simple wreath around the denomination. I've handled dozens like it over the years—unassuming survivors of economic freefall.

Records on exact mintage are murky, likely scattered in some forgotten archive from the transition years. As for its circulation, it barely lasted; hyperinflation rendered five kopeks nearly worthless by 1998.

One dry note: In those days, you could say the coin was as valuable as a politician's promise.