Russian 2007 1 Rouble

The 2007 Russian 1 Rouble coin was the first in its series to feature a latent image security element, visible only when tilted, which helped combat the rising tide of counterfeits in the early 2000s.

That said, it's a standard cupronickel piece, struck at the Saint Petersburg Mint with a diameter of 31 millimeters and a weight of about 12.8 grams. The obverse shows the double-headed eagle of the Russian coat of arms, while the reverse displays the denomination and the year. Circulation numbers aren't precisely recorded, but estimates suggest millions were produced for everyday use.

Not every coin from that era survived intact; many ended up in pockets or piggy banks, worn down by daily handling. The design tweaks in 2007 were practical, not flashy—think of it as a quiet upgrade, like swapping out an old lock for a better one.

We don't know exactly how many variations exist, as mint records can be patchy.