tsardom-of-russia-c-1533-1584-reign-of-ivan-iv-item
DenominationKopek
Country / EmpireTsardom of Russia
Obverse DesignHorseman (often interpreted as St. George or the Tsar) riding right, holding a spear. This design is characteristic of a Kopek, distinguishing it from a denga (which typically depicts a swordsman) or a polushka/half denga (which is smaller and has a different design).
Reverse DesignMulti-line Cyrillic inscription, typically naming the Tsar and 'Ruler of All Rus'' (e.g., 'ЦАРЬ И ВЕЛИКИЙ КНЯЗЬ ИВАН ВСЕЯ РУСИ').
Historical Context
Coinage from the reign of Ivan IV 'the Terrible' (1533-1584), a pivotal period in Russian history marked by the expansion and centralization of the Tsardom. These coins were produced by hand-striking small pieces cut from silver wire, resulting in their distinctive irregular shapes and often incomplete strikes. They served as the primary currency for centuries. The Wikimedia file title identifies this coin as a 'half denga', but based on the visual evidence of a spear-wielding horseman and the 'KNOWN MINERAL NAME' provided, it is identified as a Kopek.
