2019 Smithsonian Russian Beard Token Copper Antiqued Medal NGC GEM BU Exclusive Smithsonian Label

Why order this Antiqued Smithsonian Russian Beard Token?

In an effort to modernize Russia to Western standards, Peter the Great instituted a tax on men who wanted to wear beards. The amount of the tax varied based on the social status of the person taxed, with peasants charged 2.5 kopeks when they entered a city and others paying 60-100 rubles every year. Those who paid the tax had to carry tokens indicating that they had done so. The Smithsonian Institution holds some of the rare original examples and officially licensed these replica medals. These tokens were struck by the Shire Post Mint, experts in antiqued coin striking methods. 15,000 copper medals were struck, each one from the same 4.9 g of copper as the original tokens.

Authentic Beard Token Design

The designs for both faces of this medal were taken from the original beard tokens, save for one element on the reverse. (Money Taken) is inscribed in Cyrillic at the top. It means that the holder had paid the beard tax. Below is part of a bearded face, which also includes a mustache.

A Russian Imperial Eagle stands atop the reverse. Below the image is the date of the medal, again inscribed in Cyrillic: Year 2019. The new design element is the Smithsonian Sun counterstamp, which is at the bottom. The Smithsonian counterstamp is included in the location in which counterstamps (indicating that a second or third year's tax had been paid) would have been located on the originals.

Stunning GEM BU Exclusive Smithsonian Label

This medal remains in GEM Brilliant uncirculated condition, which means that it has stunning mint luster, a sharp strike, and above average eye appeal. This certification is provided on a label that bears the Smithsonian Institution's logo.

Add this Antiqued Copper Smithsonian Russian Beard Toke to your collection today.