-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 31124
Checkout
The Russia 20 kopeks 1968 Y#132 UNC coin is a remarkable piece of Soviet numismatics that offers a glimpse into the later years of the Soviet Union. Minted in 1968, during the height of the Cold War and the leadership of Leonid Brezhnev, this coin holds historical, political, and cultural significance.
The year 1968 was a pivotal time in the Cold War, with the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a global ideological struggle. The Vietnam War was at its peak, and the Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia highlighted the Soviet Union's heavy-handed approach to maintaining control over its satellite states. In this context, the 20 kopeks coin was issued as part of the Soviet Union's ongoing effort to showcase its economic and political stability.
The obverse of the coin features a profile portrait of Vladimir Lenin, the founding father of the Soviet state. Lenin's image is surrounded by the inscription "ВЛАДИМИР ИЛЬИЧ ЛЕНИН" (Vladimir Ilyich Lenin), emphasizing his enduring significance to the Soviet regime. Lenin's image on Soviet coins served as a symbol of the country's communist ideals and historical legacy. On the reverse side of the coin, the denomination "20 КОПЕЕК" (20 kopeks) is displayed within a wreath of wheat ears, symbolizing the importance of agriculture in the Soviet economy. The reverse design is both simple and utilitarian, in keeping with the practical nature of Soviet coinage.
The 20 kopeks coin of 1968 was typically minted in copper-nickel, a common composition for Soviet coinage during this period. Various Soviet mints, including the Moscow Mint and the Leningrad Mint, were responsible for producing these coins. Mintage figures for Soviet coins were often high, given their intended use in everyday transactions and as a means of promoting Soviet ideology.
The coin carries a denomination of 20 kopeks, a unit of Soviet currency used for pricing goods and services. Kopeks were an essential part of everyday financial transactions for Soviet citizens, with denominations ranging from 1 to 50 kopeks.
This particular coin is described as UNC, which stands for Uncirculated. In numismatic terms, UNC coins are considered to be in pristine condition, having never been in circulation. They exhibit sharp details, luster, and no signs of wear. Collectors often seek UNC coins for their exceptional quality and historical authenticity.
The late 1960s were a time of relative stability in the Soviet Union under the leadership of Leonid Brezhnev. This period, known as the Brezhnev Era, was characterized by the consolidation of Soviet power, détente with the West, and a focus on maintaining the status quo.
In conclusion, the Russia 20 kopeks 1968 Y#132 UNC coin serves as a tangible artifact of the later years of the Soviet Union. Its design, featuring Vladimir Lenin's image, reflects the continued promotion of communist ideals, while the reverse emphasizes the importance of agriculture in the Soviet economy. With its UNC condition and historical significance, this coin is a valuable addition to any collection of Soviet numismatics and offers insight into the geopolitical context of the Cold War.