In the 1980s, the Soviet Union celebrated the millennium of the Russian state, founded by the Prince of Novgorod and Kiev, Vladimir Svyatoslavich "Red Sun". In honor of this celebration, many commemorative coins were issued, including one dedicated to ancient Russian architecture, depicting the St. Sophia Cathedral of Novgorod on the reverse side.
This unique coin was minted by the Moscow Mint (MMD) in a limited edition of 25,000 pieces using the Proof technology, characterized by a mirror field and matte relief. The coin is made of 900-carat gold. It weighs 8.75 grams, containing 7.78 grams of pure precious metal.
Obverse:
The obverse side of the coin features the coat of arms of the USSR from 1956 at the center top. The sickle and hammer are depicted over a globe, flanked by sheaves of wheat tied with fifteen ribbons. The tops of the sheaves meet in a stylized five-pointed star. At the bottom of the coin is the inscription "СССР". To the left, under short dashes, is the metal designation and its purity - "Au 900” / “7.78”, and to the right is the mint mark - "ММД". The denomination and year of minting are indicated in three lines: "50" / "РУБЛИ" / "1988".
Reverse:
The reverse side features the St. Sophia Cathedral located in Veliky Novgorod. Below it is the date "1045", with an inscription around it in a semicircle: "СОФИЙСКИЙ СОБОР", "НОВГОРОД". Above the cathedral is the semicircular inscription "1000-ГОДИШНИНАТА НА ДРЕВНАТА РУСКА АРХИТЕКТУРА" ("1000th Anniversary of Ancient Russian Architecture").
