USSR 5 Rubles 1988 “Millennium of Russia Monument in Novgorod” – Proof in Original Gosbank Holder

Attractive Soviet 5‑rouble commemorative issued in 1988 for the “Millennium of Russia” monument in Novgorod, struck in copper‑nickel with prooflike mirrored fields and frosted design. The coin remains sealed in the original Государственный банк СССР (State Bank of the USSR) plastic holder with gold‑lettered inscription “Памятная монета” (“commemorative coin”), making it a nice Cold War–era collectible.

Key details

• Country / Issuer: USSR (Soviet Union) – State Bank of the USSR

• Year of issue: 1988

• Face value: 5 Rubles

• Series / Theme: Commemorative – “Millennium of Russia Monument in Novgorod”

• Metal: Copper‑nickel alloy (non‑precious)

• Weight: approx. 19.8 g

• Diameter: 35 mm

• Thickness: about 2.6–2.7 mm

• Edge / Alignment: Milled, medal orientation (↑↑)

• Finish: Proof / prooflike in original sealed plastic

Design

• Obverse: National arms of the Soviet Union with hammer‑and‑sickle within a globe, surrounded by wheat heads and ribbon, star above; denomination and date below with “СССР 5 РУБЛЕЙ 1988.”

• Reverse: The “Millennium of Russia” monument in Novgorod (erected 1862), showing the large bell‑shaped sculpture with historic Russian figures; inscriptions around reading “ПАМЯТНИК ‘ТЫСЯЧЕЛЕТИЕ РОССИИ’” with “1862” and “НОВГОРОД” below.

Packaging / condition

• Original packaging: Clear hard plastic State Bank of the USSR holder with textured gray insert and gold‑colored Cyrillic lettering.

• Condition: Coin itself shows bright mirrors and strong contrast with no obvious marks; holder has typical contact marks and light scratches from handling/storage