Help With 1987 USSR/Russian 5-Oz Silver Medal

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 7,588
struck_coin New Member Singapore 2 Posts	Posted 08/27/2013 11:02 pm I have a 1987 USSR/Russian 5oz silver coin that I would like some help in identifying. I am not sure if there is any face value as there is a fair bit of Cyrillic characters. As can be seen, this coin has 2 polar bears on the front with the words "Defence of Nature" above and on the reverse, the words "For Peace and Cooperation", the USA and then USSR flags as well as 2 clasped hands. I found it listed in the 2011 edition of Unusual World Coins by Krause Publications, listed under number X# MB1. However, the picture of the 2 polar bears in the book is different from my coin. I have came across this coin for sale online and their pictures are the same as the book. Below is a picture of the coin in the book: Can someone help me in identifying if my coin is special or a dud? Many thanks in advance! Report this Post to the Staff

philadelphian Pillar of the Community United States 3253 Posts	Posted 08/27/2013 11:58 pm Welcome! http://articles.philly.com/1987-11-...dollar-coins There would appear to be two designs of this medal. Ronald J. Gillio is still in business, and perhaps would be able to enlighten us. http://www.gillio.com/ Edited by philadelphian 08/28/2013 12:04 am Report this Post to the Staff
struck_coin New Member Singapore 2 Posts	Posted 08/28/2013 02:25 am Thank you for your reply! I read the article you kindly linked but there did not appear to be any mention of 2 designs. Perhaps you can point this short sighted fella in the right direction... :) Grateful also for Mr Gillio's contact; I will reach out to him for his opinion on this coin. Report this Post to the Staff
philadelphian Pillar of the Community United States 3253 Posts	Posted 08/28/2013 09:44 am I just meant that, in my opinion, the two different depictions of the bear and her cub in your two posted pics both appear genuine, and the description of the reverse in the article obviously could apply to either of them. It sounds like the final medal was the result of a great deal of committee work; two or more patterns may have been struck pending approval. If only one went into general production (which Gillio & Co. may be able to clarify), yours may exist in only one or a few copies. Report this Post to the Staff
philadelphian Pillar of the Community United States 3253 Posts	Posted 08/28/2013 12:23 pm Seems the designer of the polar bear side was Tim A. Haskin, and if he's still around, he may be best able to verify if multiple design versions were struck. Found some contact info on this page, which may or may not be out of date: http://www.markhound.com/trademark/...ch/Syzj2X4l7 Report this Post to the Staff
PlatinumDuck Valued Member United States 134 Posts	Posted 09/24/2013 01:42 am I am a polar bear collector and I have not seen that version of the Russian Medal before. I don't know what to tell you about it but if you ever want to move it I know a good home for it ;) Thanks for sharing! Report this Post to the Staff
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