The 1923 gold chervonets — the “Sower” — is the most famous Soviet gold coin: a peasant sowing grain against a factory skyline, issued by the RSFSR under the 1922–24 monetary reform to back trade with hard currency. Originals are dated 1923; official Soviet restrikes were dated 1975–1982, so buyers must know which era they’re holding. The entry covers the specs, the NEP context, and the restrike story.
Key facts
- 8.6 g, .900 fine gold — matched the pre-revolutionary Nicholas II 10-rouble specs exactly
- Originals dated 1923 (official restrikes dated 1975–1982); decision to issue taken October 1922; designed by chief Petrograd mint medalist A. F. Vasyutinskiy; sower modeled from I. D. Shadr’s sculpture
- Face side: RSFSR arms; minted mainly for Soviet foreign-trade operations during NEP
- Western refusal of Soviet-symbol coins led the USSR to also strike Nicholas II portrait gold for foreign payments
- Restrikes of the chervonets were made 1975–1982
Market check
As an eBay Partner, The Coin Wiki may earn from qualifying purchases.