3 kopecks 1924: description, history, cost

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

3 kopeck coins of 1924 are actively collected by collectors today. Their price is steadily growing, and they are considered a good investment in the antique coin market. Single specimens are already becoming a collector's rarity, for which collectors arrange a real hunt.

From Altyn to three kopecks

In 1924, the regular issue of coins of the USSR began. Since 3 kopecks, despite their low significance, still had weight when making purchases, they were actively put into circulation, retaining the old denomination. It was first introduced back in 1839 by decree of Nicholas I. The nominal value of 3 kopecks from the old altyn was calculated, which was equal to three "Novgorod" ones.

3 kopecks in 1924 became a successful bargaining chip that lasted until the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Material and dimensions

The 1924 3 kopeck coin was produced exclusively from copper. It weighed 9.8 grams and was 27.7 millimeters in diameter. The heavy and very impressive metal disk was inconvenient to handlefrom a practical point of view. Two years later, both the weight and the size of the coin decreased significantly.

These parameters serve as one of the indicators of the authenticity of the coin. The characteristic reddish tint of 1924 3 kopecks with a yellow-brown earthy patina is also one of the signs of their originality. In the year of their release, only the search for optimal alloys for minting was going on, and the early Soviet coins of 3 and 5 kopecks were made of red copper. However, this material proved unprofitable and was quickly abandoned.

Already next year, red copper in coins of small denominations was replaced by an alloy of aluminum bronze. Coins of large denominations continued to be minted from silver. However, the saving of state resources forced us to abandon this and replace the precious metal with cheaper and more cost-effective nickel.

Features of the design of the coin 3 kopecks 1924

1924 was marked by the release of the first copper coins of the Soviet Union. Like other denominations of that time, the obverse of the “three-ruble note” adorns the coat of arms of the new state. The central part is filled with the image of the globe with a crossed hammer and sickle. Wheat ears tied with a ribbon go around it on both sides. The tape wraps around each bundle three times and ties in the middle. The rays of the sun rising from the bundle illuminate the globe. Above it, between the converging ends of the ears, a star is depicted.

In the lower part, under a wreath of ears of corn, the abbreviation "USSR" in large letters throughpoint. The coat of arms is surrounded by a thin rim. Between it and the edge of the coin, in large, well-read type, it is stamped: “Proletarians of all countries, unite!”

The face value of the coin on the reverse is indicated by the number "3". It occupies almost half the diameter of the disk and is framed by two spikelets intertwined at the bottom. Their stems form a circular rim of the reverse. Below the number is the inscription "Kopecks 1924" in two rows in smaller rounded characters. A decorative dot below the date.

In general, the 1924 3 kopecks do not differ in their original design. Nevertheless, there are nuances in it that significantly affect its price. Most of the first three-kopeck coins were issued with a smooth edge. However, a small edition with a ribbed edge was made. Today, this option is considered a numismatic rarity and significantly outperforms other specimens in price. The exact mintage of these coins, as well as coins with a smooth edge, remains unknown.

Costs and forecasts

How much are 3 kopecks in 1924? Currently, their price is constantly growing. The cost of an ordinary coin starts from 500 rubles. The price of a rare specimen with a ribbed edge is on average 38-40 thousand rubles.

The final price is affected by a number of factors such as condition, cleaning and other interventions, demand. First of all, the cost is determined by the degree of wear of the disk. In total, the numismatic scale for assessing the condition includes seven gradations:

• Excellent (Uncirculated, UNC).
• About Uncirculated, AU.
• Excellent (Extremely Fine,XF).
• Very Fine (VF).
• Good (Fine, F).
• Very Good (VG).
• Weak (Good, G).

There are no copies of 3 kopecks of 1924 in the category "Excellent" on the market of ancient coins. These include coins that were not in circulation, that is, in perfect condition, and there are none left among them. Typically, the safety of the proposed samples ranges from "Nearly excellent" to "Good". Copies in the "Fair" and "Weak" condition do not represent numismatic value, therefore, serious dealers and auction houses do not accept such samples for sale.