2 Rubles (Vladimir Vernadsky) – Russian Federation
Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Vernadsky
Russia
Context
Year: 2013
Country: Russia 
Issuer: Russian Federation
Period:
(since 1991)
Currency:
(since 1998)
Total mintage: 5,000
Material
References
Value
Exchange value: 2 RUB
Bullion value: $45.01
Inflation-adjusted value: 5.58 RUB
Obverse
Description:
The obverse features the Bank of Russia's two-headed eagle emblem with wings down, above the semicircular inscription "БАНК РОССИИ". This is encircled by a beaded border. The rim inscription "ДВА РУБЛЯ" and "2013 г." is divided by dots and includes the metal's chemical symbol, purity, mint mark, and fine metal content.
Inscription:
ДВА РУБЛЯ
БАНК РОССИИ
• Ag 925 • 2013 г. • 15,55 СПМД •
БАНК РОССИИ
• Ag 925 • 2013 г. • 15,55 СПМД •
Translation:
TWO RUBLES
BANK OF RUSSIA
• Ag 925 • 2013 • 15.55 SPMD •
BANK OF RUSSIA
• Ag 925 • 2013 • 15.55 SPMD •
Language: Russian
Designer and engraver: Alexander Vasilyevich Baklanov
Reverse
Description:
A relief of V.I. Vernadsky against a starry background and a noosphere symbol of intersecting lines. Below are his facsimile signature and the dates 1863–1945.
Inscription:
Вернадский
1863
1945
1863
1945
Translation:
Vernadsky
1863
1945
1863
1945
Script: Cyrillic (cursive)
Engraver: Alexandra Arsenyevna Dolgopolova
Edge
195 corrugations
Categories
| Event> Birth anniversary |
| Science |
Mints
| Name | Mark |
|---|---|
| Saint Petersburg | (СПМД) |
Mintings
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Quality | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | СПМД | 5,000 | Proof |
Historical background
In 2013, the Russian ruble exhibited relative stability, marking a period of calm before the significant volatility that would characterize the following years. The currency traded in a managed float within a dual-currency basket band (55% USD, 45% EUR) set by the Central Bank of Russia (CBR). This stability was underpinned by high global oil prices, which averaged over $100 per barrel for much of the year, ensuring strong foreign currency inflows from hydrocarbon exports. Consequently, Russia maintained substantial foreign exchange reserves, exceeding $500 billion, which provided a robust buffer against external shocks and allowed the CBR to intervene smoothly to curb excessive fluctuations.
However, underlying structural vulnerabilities and external pressures were mounting beneath this stable surface. The Russian economy was experiencing a pronounced slowdown, with GDP growth decelerating to just 1.3% for the year, its weakest pace since the 2009 global financial crisis. This stagnation was driven by a lack of investment, poor productivity growth, and a deteriorating business climate, highlighting the economy's deep dependence on commodity revenues. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions were beginning to simmer, with debates over Ukraine's potential association agreement with the European Union creating unease in financial markets, though the full-scale crisis was still ahead.
By the end of 2013, the ruble's stability was increasingly perceived as fragile and contingent on sustained high energy prices. The CBR was in a transitional phase, gradually widening the ruble's trading band as part of a long-stated policy move towards a free float, aiming to insulate its reserves and shift to inflation targeting. This period, therefore, represented the final chapter of relative calm, with the economy's fundamental weaknesses and looming geopolitical events setting the stage for the currency turbulence that would erupt in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea and the concurrent collapse in oil prices.
However, underlying structural vulnerabilities and external pressures were mounting beneath this stable surface. The Russian economy was experiencing a pronounced slowdown, with GDP growth decelerating to just 1.3% for the year, its weakest pace since the 2009 global financial crisis. This stagnation was driven by a lack of investment, poor productivity growth, and a deteriorating business climate, highlighting the economy's deep dependence on commodity revenues. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions were beginning to simmer, with debates over Ukraine's potential association agreement with the European Union creating unease in financial markets, though the full-scale crisis was still ahead.
By the end of 2013, the ruble's stability was increasingly perceived as fragile and contingent on sustained high energy prices. The CBR was in a transitional phase, gradually widening the ruble's trading band as part of a long-stated policy move towards a free float, aiming to insulate its reserves and shift to inflation targeting. This period, therefore, represented the final chapter of relative calm, with the economy's fundamental weaknesses and looming geopolitical events setting the stage for the currency turbulence that would erupt in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea and the concurrent collapse in oil prices.
💎 Extremely Rare