Russian Gold: 5 Rouble Coin

This gold coin was struck during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, the last ruler of Imperial Russia. Gold 5 Roubles were minted from 1897-1911. The obverse depicts a bust of Tsar Nicholas II. Tsar Nicholas II was said to bear a striking resemblance to his distant cousin, King George V of Great Britain. Tsar Nicholas II was overthrown by communist Bolsheviks. After being overthrown, Nicholas requested that Great Britain provide asylum for him and his family, but King George V denied that request. Thus the Bolsheviks placed Nicholas and his family under house arrest. The Bolsheviks later assassinated Nicholas and the royal family. It was rumored that Nicholas's youngest daughter, Princess Anastasia, escaped the assassination. The reverse of the 5 Rouble features a double headed eagle. The double headed eagle originated in the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was divided into a Western Empire and Eastern Empire. The eagle's two heads represent the Roman Empire's western & eastern halves. Russia would adopt the double headed eagle as a symbol. The 5 Rouble contains .1244 oz of 90% gold, making it the same size as a US $2.5 gold coin. The Bolsheviks melted many 5 Rouble coins during the Russian Revolution. 5 Roubles command a premium above their gold value because of scarcity.