While the rest of the world has been honoring this hero in every way possible (such as Limited edition pens and special watches), the Russians werent’t going to be left behind. To make sure that the 50th anniversary of Gagarin becoming the first man in space is celebrated and remembered; the Central Bank of Russian Federation has come out with gold and silver coins.
The gold coin designed by artist S.A. Kozlov depicts a half-length portrait of Yuri Gagarin in his space-suit with his right hand raised against the background of a celestial sky. To the left below Gagarin’s right arm is the date of the flight in two lines: “12.04 1961 г.” Above the main image of Gagarin is the inscription in Cyrillic “50 ЛЕТ ПЕРВОГО ПОЛЕТА ЧЕЛОВЕКА В КОСМОС” (50 YEARS OF MAN’S FIRST SPACE FLIGHT).
The reverse of the coin carries the emblem of the Bank of Russia, the two-headed eagle, with the inscription “БАНК РОССИИ” (BANK OF RUSSIA) just under the emblem. The inscription “ОДНА ТЫСЯЧА РУБЛЕЙ” (ONE THOUSAND RUBLES), can be seen above the emblem. The year of issue, 2011, appears below the Bank of Russia’s text. On either side of the year is the fineness and metal content (Au 999) and the trade mark insignia of the Moscow Mint.
Only 500 gold coins will be made with each weighing 156 grams. About 7500 silver coins will be minted and each shall weigh 34 grams.
The silver coin is also designed by Kozlov and carries a stylized image of Gagarin in his space-suit positioned to the right side. The inscription on the left side reads “50 ЛЕТ ПЕРВОГО ПОЛЕТА ЧЕЛОВЕКА В КОСМОС” (50 YEARS OF MAN’S FIRST SPACE FLIGHT) with the numeral “50” silhouetted behind the text. The background includes a color application of the earth as seen from space and a facsimile signature of Gagarin just under his portrait.
The reverse of the coin carries the emblem of the Bank of Russia, with the inscriptions “БАНК РОССИИ” (BANK OF RUSSIA) and “ТРИ РУБЛЯ” (THREE RUBLES). On either side is the fine metal content (Ag 925) and the trade mark insignia of the St. Petersburg Mint. The year of issue, 2011, appears at the base.
