Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 6/18/2010

Question
I have a coin dated 1911 but am unsure what its origin is.
Sliverish in color about .625" in diameter
It has the following on the side with the date -
Small crown (top center)
Wreath around both sides of front.
"15" below crown
KOII(t or b)EK(some other weird symbol like b with top of T)
1911
CIIb

the back(or other side) has -
A dragon or large winged creature with various symbols and holding in its claws or feet a "staff" and "Globe"
this takes up the entire side of coin.

I will take a photo if that would help please advise.
Thanks for any expert help you can lend

Answer
Hi,
You have a Russian imperial 15 kopeks, made at the St. Petersburg mint. The coin is indeed made of silver (0.500 purity). The 1911 is actually one of the lower mintage dates from this series. Most dates have a value range from around $2 for a well used coin up to $50 or so for a really nice mint condition example. Your coin would have a range from $5 to $100 in the same conditions.
If you would like to post a follow-up question with a picture of the coin I can certainly give you a more specific grade and value on it.
Thanks for the question! =)