Expert: Brad Swain - 2/16/2010

Question
hello! i have a small russian appears to be copper coin. 1st side has a large one, the date 1859 and a B underneath all surrounded
by a wreath. opposite side has  the two headed dragon of Alexander 11 there is printing around the dragon but is unclear.
Have been unable to find a corresponding picture. Can you tell me
what this coin is?
Thank you

Answer
Hi Ron, There were 93.4 million of these copper Austrian 1 kreuzer coins minted that year in Kremnitz, Hungary (B). The double headed eagle was also used by the Austrian Hapsburg family.
Collector value may be worth about .25 with heavy wear to around $2 with moderate wear to maybe $3.50 with light wear.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad