Russian 2002 2 Roubles

This 2002 Russian 2 Rouble coin features a bimetallic design with a brass center and a copper-nickel outer ring, marking it as one of the early commemorative issues in Russia's post-Soviet currency overhaul.

That combination wasn't just for show; it helped prevent counterfeiting in an era when forgery was rampant across Eastern Europe. The obverse shows the standard Russian coat of arms, while the reverse likely depicts a specific event—possibly the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, given Russia's participation, though exact commemorative details vary by sub-issue.

Mintage figures? They're murky, as Russian records from that period can be inconsistent. No one I've dealt with over the years has pinned it down precisely.

Some folks think these coins are cursed because of their weight—28 grams feels heavier than it should—but that's just physics, not mysticism.