This 1756 Russian 1 Kopeck copper coin, struck at the St. Petersburg Mint (СПБ) during the reign of Empress Elizaveta Petrovna (Elizabeth I), is a rare and desirable example of 18th-century imperial coinage. Cataloged as Bitkin #534 (R), this coin is notable for both its weight and historic significance.
Weighing 21.17 grams and measuring 33 mm in diameter, this hefty copper coin carries a netlike edge, typical of mid-18th-century Russian minting techniques.
Obverse:
The obverse features the crowned monogram EP for Elizaveta Petrovna, placed above clouds and a double-headed imperial eagle, a strong imperial symbol of Russian sovereignty. The Cyrillic letters “СПБ” indicate minting at the St. Petersburg Mint.
Reverse:
The reverse bears the denomination “1 Kopeck” written in Cyrillic across a tablet with the year 1756 below. It mirrors the obverse design with imperial motifs and symmetrical balance.
Struck during a pivotal period of modernization and expansion for the Russian Empire, this coin reflects the grandeur and political symbolism of Elizabeth’s reign. It offers collectors a tangible link to Russia’s pre-Napoleonic monetary system and remains a sought-after piece, especially in such solid weight and detail.
Whether you’re building an imperial Russian coin collection or looking for a Bitkin-listed rarity, this 1756 1 Kopeck from the СПБ mint is a standout.