Kolyvan Copper and the Suzun Mint: Siberian Coins

Illustrated Specimen Details: Copper Siberian Polushka

Example Specimen: Polushka, 1769 (Siberia Governorate of the Russian Empire)

Authority & Heraldry: This fractional copper coin was issued under Catherine II (Ekaterina II), Empress of Russia. The obverse features the crowned monogram of the Empress within a decorative wreath. The reverse displays the denomination ПОЛУШКА and the date 1769 framed within an ornate, crowned cartouche (an oblong design edged with scrollwork). The legend reads СИБИРСКАЯ МОНЕТА ("Siberian coin"). Below the cartouche is the KM mintmark, standing for either Колыванская Медь ("Kolyvan copper") or Колыванская Монета ("Kolyvan coin"). Note: While larger Siberian denominations feature two sables on the reverse, the small polushka utilizes this simplified cartouche design.

1. SIBERIAN COINS (1763-1781): 1 kopeck = 2 dengas = 4 polushkas (the fractional polushka = 1/4 kopeck)

The name "Siberian coins" directly reflects the region of its intended use — the vast territories of Siberia and the Far East (the Siberia Governorate of the Russian Empire). This was a distinct, separate type of regional copper coinage minted specifically for circulation east of the European part of the empire between 1763 and 1781. The series included the polushka, denga, and the 1, 2, 5, and 10 kopecks.

History and Characteristics of the Siberian Coinage

During the second half of the 18th century, the Russian Empire began the active development and colonization of Siberia. The boundless natural resources of the region triggered a large-scale resettlement to the East. This rapid economic expansion created an urgent need for circulating money, particularly small fractional coins in large quantities for everyday trade.

Transporting heavy copper coins from European Russia across the vast continent was economically unviable. To solve this logistical crisis, the imperial government decided in 1763 to mint a special regional currency directly in Siberia, leading to the establishment of the Suzun Mint (located in modern-day Suzun, Novosibirsk Oblast).

Kolyvan Copper: A Precious By-Product

The raw material used for these coins was "Kolyvan copper", sourced from the Kolyvan deposits in the Altai Krai. Interestingly, this copper was actually a by-product of silver and gold extraction. Because the metallurgical technology of the 18th century was far from perfect, the remaining copper alloy still contained about 0.79% silver and 0.01% gold. Due to this hidden precious metal content, Kolyvan copper was significantly more valuable than standard pure copper.

Because of the higher intrinsic value of the alloy, Siberian coins were minted at a lighter weight standard than their equivalent copper denominations circulating in European Russia.

Unique Regional Heraldry

Unlike regular Russian imperial coinage, which prominently featured the double-headed eagle, the Siberian series carried a unique design reflecting its regional autonomy. With the exception of the smallest denomination (the polushka, which used a cartouche), all Siberian coins featured the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Siberia — two sable supporters holding a crown and a shield. The obverse of all denominations, however, maintained imperial authority by displaying the traditional monogram of Empress Catherine II.

There are historical references indicating that the very first test samples of these "Siberian coins" dated 1763 and 1764 were actually minted in St. Petersburg before production fully shifted to the Suzun Mint. These early trial strikes are exceptionally rare today.

The Massive 10 Kopecks Coin

The most famous denomination of this series among modern numismatists is the Siberian 10 kopecks coin. Due to the copper standard used, this massive piece weighed more than 65 grams, cementing its status as the largest regular-issue circulating coin in the history of the Russian Empire.

The Siberian coinage system successfully facilitated trade in the eastern territories for nearly two decades before the series was discontinued in 1781, making these sable-adorned coins a fascinating artifact of colonial economic history.