Expert: Brad Swain - 12/30/2009

Question
I have a 1902 and a 1903 russian 5 ruble coin, both of which are in a gold roped bezel.  Can you give me an idea of their value?

Answer
Hi Sharon, There were 5-6 million of each date 5 Ruble coin featuring Czar Nicholas II (1894-1917) minted. Each coin should weigh 4.3 grams and would contain .1245 of an ounce of gold (currently about $135).
Current gold and silver values: http://www.kitco.com/market/ .
It may be worth up to about $330 depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
If a coin has been damaged by becoming part of the jewelry or cannot be separated from the jewelry without damage then its value lies in the piece of jewelry and not as a coin.
Brad