Russia, Copper Polushka, Anna, Ivan VI, or Elizabeth

Polushkas were first introduced by Peter the Great in 1700 and minted intermittently throughout the 18th century, including under Empress Anna Ioannovna, Ivan VI, and Empress Elizabeth. The coins featured a crowned double-headed eagle on the obverse, and the denomination and date in Cyrillic script on the reverse. Grained or patterned edges served as anti-counterfeiting measures.

During the 1730s—a period of economic growth for the Russian Empire—the polushka, valued at about ¼ kopeck, played a key role in everyday transactions among the agrarian and peasant classes. Its low denomination helped integrate rural and urban economies, making commerce more accessible to the lower classes.

Rather than replacing silver coins outright, copper coinage was gradually introduced, helping preserve public trust. By the 1730s, copper made up around 8% of circulating cash. Silver remained dominant, ensuring monetary stability while small copper coins like the polushka made daily transactions simpler and supported the unification of Russia’s growing currency system.

Each coin comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and has been professionally cleaned and conserved.