Russian 1997 10 Kopeks

This 10 kopek coin from 1997 was struck entirely from steel, a cost-cutting measure amid Russia's economic turmoil under Yeltsin.

That shift to steel wasn't just about saving metal. It reflected the broader collapse of the Soviet minting system, where copper-nickel alloys became unaffordable. The coin bears the standard Russian emblem—a double-headed eagle—on its obverse, with the denomination and year on the reverse. No fancy designs here; it was a practical piece for everyday use.

Mintage figures for this year are murky, as records from the Moscow Mint weren't always reliable in the 1990s. I've handled plenty of these in circulation; they're common enough, but wear quickly due to the soft steel.

Collectors might overlook it for shinier items, but that's their loss.