Russia 2000 ruble KM-Y719
This specimen was lot 2232 in Jean Elsen sale 163 (Brussels, November 2025), where it sold for €180 (about US$208 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"RUSSIE, République (1991-), AR rouble, 2000. Faune russe. Grues au cou noir. Rare. (republic of Russia, silver ruble of 2000, Russian fauna series, black-necked crane. Rare, Proof.)"
Altho the auctioneers state this coin depicts the black-necked crane, Numista states the bird is a hooded crane. Numista is probably right, as the black-necked crane does not occur in Russia. Wikipedia comments, "The hooded crane (Grus monacha) is a crane native to East Asia and a frequent migratory bird in Japan." This was accompanied by NCLT's featuring the leopard runner snake (KM Y720) and the desman (KM Y721).
Recorded mintage: 3,000 proofs.
Specification: 17.44 g, 0.900 fine silver, 33 mm diameter, reeded edge, designed by Alexander Vasilyevich Baklanov and Andrey Sergevich Kunats.
Catalog reference: KM Y719.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 163, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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