50 Rubles – Russian Federation
Russia
Context
Year: 2013
Country: Russia 
Issuer: Russian Federation
Period:
(since 1991)
Currency:
(since 1998)
Total mintage: 1,500
Material
Diameter: 22.6 mm
Weight: 7.89 g
Gold weight: 7.88 g
Thickness: 1.6 mm
Shape: Round
Composition: 99.9% Gold
Standard: Silver quarter ounce
Magnetic: No
Technique: Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
flip
References
Value
Exchange value: 50 RUB
Bullion value: $1314.21
Inflation-adjusted value: 139.49 RUB
Obverse
Description:
The central Bank of Russia emblem (a two-headed eagle with the inscription "БАНК РОССИИ") is encircled by dots. The rim reads "ПЯТЬДЕСЯТ РУБЛЕЙ" above, with metal specifications, the year "2013 г.", and the mint mark below.
Inscription:
ПЯТЬДЕСЯТ РУБЛЕЙ
БАНК РОССИИ
• Au 999 • 2013 г. • 7,78 ММД •
БАНК РОССИИ
• Au 999 • 2013 г. • 7,78 ММД •
Translation:
FIFTY RUBLES
BANK OF RUSSIA
• Au 999 • 2013 • 7.78 SPMD •
BANK OF RUSSIA
• Au 999 • 2013 • 7.78 SPMD •
Language: Russian
Designer and engraver: Alexander Vasilyevich Baklanov
Reverse
Description:
The mirror field features a relief portrait of A.S. Shein in European dress and wig. To the left are the dates "1662" and "1700". The rim below is inscribed: "А.С. ШЕИН" (A.S. SHEIN).
Inscription:
1662
1700
А.С. ШЕИН
1700
А.С. ШЕИН
Translation:
Year 1662
Year 1700
A.S. Shein
Year 1700
A.S. Shein
Script: Cyrillic
Engraver: Ekaterina Alexeevna Yastrebova
Designer: Fedor Sergeevich Andronov
Edge
134 corrugations
Mints
| Name | Mark |
|---|---|
| Moscow Mint | (ММД) |
Mintings
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Quality | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | ММД | 1,500 | 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.
✨ Legendary