The Gold Chervonets
The inauguration was immortalized
The medals, minted in honor of this event, have already become numismatic rarity
Each of 1700 guests, presenting at the inauguration of Vladimir Putin on the 7th of May 2004 in Kremlin, has got a present in memory of this remarkable event- a silver medal.
The medals were minted at Saint-Petersburg Mint.
The weight of everyone is one ounce, the diameter is 39 mm.
The medals were made by the quality "proof" and, as the rules require, are placed in special capsules. Besides, every medal was packed in the velvet case of Bordeaux color. Minted at Saint-Petersburg Mint, the medals are called unique. And there are reasons for it.
Firstly, it was the first memorable sign, made in honor of the inauguration of the president. Saint- Petersburg Mint has used to getting orders for producing memorable medals, connected with the events of great state importance, but for the inauguration of the president of Russia a make of Mint happened to appear first time.
Secondly, only 1750 copies of the medal were minted. It means that the medal has got great numismatic value. Among collectors-numismatists the price of it has gone up ten times and keeps going. By the way, the real cost of the memorable sign is about 1200 rubles.
The author of the draft of the memorable medal was the painter of Mint Anton Tshablikin. He has got an experience of many excellent made works. That"s why the main painter of Mint Alexander Baklanov charged him to do this responsible work .
More than fifteen drafts were created, where different representations were offered to place. The variant with the view to Kremlin from the embankment of the Moscow-river was ratified. Under the representation there is a note minted: "the 7th of May, 2004" but above there is: "Moscow-Kremlin". On the facial side of the memorable medal there is Russian coat of arms, which is designed by the note: "Entering V.V.Putin into the position of the president of Russia".
The medals were minted for the shortest period. Goznak got the order from the President"s Directorate for Protocol Service at the beginning of April. And by the 27th of April the whole printing had been completed and sent to Russia. Though reliability and high quality is an individual feature of Saint-Petersburg Mint. The president"s order has confirmed it once again.
Tatyana Balueva
