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Orbis Collectibles

Soviet Union 1 Rouble, 1961 reform

Also known as: 1 rubl

Well documentedSupported by multiple reputable specialist catalogues or publications.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1961-1991

The Soviet Union 1 rouble (or rubl) is a circulating coin introduced with the 1961 Soviet currency reform and issued until 1991. Produced under the authority of the Soviet Union, whose circulating currency was manufactured by Goznak in Moscow and Leningrad, the coin functioned as a standard unit of exchange divided into 100 kopecks.

The coin's obverse bears the state arms of the Soviet Union accompanied by the legend of the union, while the reverse displays the denomination and the date of issue. Following its release, it became a core denomination of a coinage series that remained essentially unchanged for three decades, serving until the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
1
Catalogue references
0

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

On 1 January 1961, the Soviet Union implemented a major monetary reform under Nikita Khrushchev. This reform redenominated the currency at a ratio of 10 old rubles to 1 new ruble while devaluing the ruble against the United States dollar and the gold standard. The 1961 reform introduced a new coinage series that revalued the rouble and endured essentially unchanged for three decades. It established the longest-lasting incarnation of the Soviet ruble, circulating until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991, after which it was phased out across post-Soviet states by 1993.

Design

Obverse
State arms of the Soviet Union with the legend of the union
Reverse
Denomination and date

Identification

Series
Distinguish reform-era coins from earlier pre-1961 types by design and date
Recognition pointers (from background sources)
Look for the state arms of the Soviet Union accompanied by the legend of the union on the obverse. Inspect the reverse for the primary denomination paired with a date of issue between 1961 and 1991.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Research required
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Research required
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Research required
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Research required
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.

Research required

  • Alloy composition, weight and diameter to be transcribed from a verified catalogue
  • Commemorative rouble types to be listed separately
  • Catalogue numbers require transcription
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