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History of Things

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The Last Coins of the Suzun Mint: History and Price of the 1 Kopek of 1845-1847

13 янв · In the history of Russian numismatics, coins that were the last for a particular mint hold a special place. These include the '1 kopek in silver' coins of 1845, 1846, and 1847 — the last coins struck at the Suzun Mint.

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Denga Coin 1730-1756: A Guide to Varieties and Rare Types

13 янв · The denga coin from the period 1730-1756 is one of the most common finds in fields and forests. The story of its mass appearance is linked to the monetary reform of Empress Anna Ioannovna, who decided to lower the coinage standard.

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Autocrat or Commander: The Mystery of the Two Polushkas of Peter I from 1707

13 янв · In the numismatics of the Petrine era, there is an interesting feature related to copper coins. In 1707, polushkas were issued which, despite being of the same denomination and year, bore different circular inscriptions reflecting the ruler's title.

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1898 Commemorative Ruble: In Honor of the Monument to Alexander II

13 янв · Among the numismatic rarities of Tsarist Russia, the 1898 commemorative coin holds a special place. Its issue was dedicated to a significant event—the unveiling of the monument to Emperor Alexander II. This coin, minted in St. Petersburg, is not just a monetary token but a piece of history.

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Copper Kopek of 1830–1839: The "Masonic" Eagle, Novodels, and Value

13 янв · During the reign of Emperor Nicholas I (1825–1855), four different types of 1 kopek copper coins were issued. Coins of the so-called second type, minted from 1830 to 1839, are of particular interest to collectors. Their distinctive feature is the image of a double-headed eagle with its wings down.

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Gold Coins of the Nicholas II Era: 5 and 10 Rubles

13 янв · Gold coins from the time of Nicholas II are considered some of the simplest and most common in the numismatics of the Russian Empire. Denominations of 5 and 10 rubles, which were minted in huge quantities and were in wide circulation, are often found in collections.

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Copper 2 Kopeks of Paul I's Reign: Varieties and Value (1797-1801)

13 янв · The two-kopek copper coins from the reign of Paul the First are among the most beautiful and interesting for collectors. Their mintage began in 1797 and continued for five years, up to and including 1801.

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The Value of Copper Coins from the Era of Nicholas II: 1894–1917

13 янв · When evaluating copper coins from the time of Nicholas II, several key factors must be considered. The main one is condition. The price is highly dependent on the coin's state, and specimens in superb condition can be worth 10 to 100 times more than coins in good condition.

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Varieties and Value of the 1924 USSR Silver Ruble

13 янв · The 1924 silver ruble is an iconic coin of the early Soviet period. This genuine currency is made of 900-fineness silver and weighs exactly 20 grams.

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The Sestroretsk Ruble: History of the Largest Coin of the Russian Empire

12 янв · Among the millions of diverse coins in the world, there are specimens that are striking in their size and weight. One of these is the Sestroretsk ruble — the largest coin of the Russian Empire, weighing up to one kilogram. This coin is a true dream for treasure hunters and collectors, but the chances of finding it are extremely slim due to its exceptional rarity.

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Finnish Armored Vehicles in World War II: From Trophies to Unique Designs

12 янв · The history of Finnish armored vehicles during World War II is a story of ingenuity amidst a severe shortage of resources. Lacking a developed tank industry, the Finnish army faced superior forces, relying on obsolete tanks and, to a greater extent, on captured equipment.

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The History of American Bank Note Company in a Rare 1959 Edition

11 янв · This is about the book 'The Story of American Bank Note Company.' It is a corporate publication released in 1959 to commemorate the centennial of the company, which was founded in 1859 through the merger of several smaller American banknote manufacturers.

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Belarusian Banknote Collection of the 1990s: From 'Zaychiki' to Millions

11 янв · The core of the Republic of Belarus banknote collection is a 'Grande' format album. To identify the album, a special symbol is placed on its spine—a pin in the shape of a hare. This pin is part of the 'Pins from Minsk' series, which was released based on the motifs of the first Belarusian banknotes.

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Greek Banknotes 1822–2002: A Review of the Athens Exhibition

11 янв · In Athens, at the historical archive of the National Bank of Greece, an exhibition dedicated to Greek banknotes is being held. The exposition covers a significant historical period from 1822 to 2002. Opened on February 1, 2006, it continues to be an important cultural site for anyone interested in the history of money.

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Banknotes of Belarus of the 2000s: Millennium, Commemorative Issues, and Rare Varieties

11 янв · The collection of Belarusian banknotes from the 2000s begins with commemorative issues dedicated to the new millennium. This period was marked by the release of a special brochure from the National Bank, announcing the transition to new currency notes.

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The Actual Value and Rare Varieties of the 1924 Poltinnik

10 янв · In early 1924, during the final stage of a monetary reform, new silver coins featuring the USSR coat of arms were issued. The goal of the reform was to restore the ruble's purchasing power to its pre-revolutionary level. These coins supplemented the existing stocks from 1921-1923 and entered circulation alongside them.

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The History of the Ruble: From Ingot to Coin

09 янв · The history of the ruble spans almost 7.5 centuries. It appeared in Novgorod in the last quarter of the 13th century, and the first written mention of it dates back to 1281, found in one of the birch bark manuscripts.

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A Collection of Modern Russian Banknotes: From Central Bank Booklets to the 5 Ruble Note of 1997

09 янв · The collection of modern Russian banknotes, presented in the album, begins in 1995 with the introduction of the so-called "city series." In addition to the banknotes themselves, the collection is supplemented with official printed materials from the Bank of Russia, such as brochures and booklets, which gives it additional informational value.

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10 Kopeks 1921: Silver Symbol of a New Era for the RSFSR

09 янв · The 10 kopek coin of 1921 has a kind of 'dual soul.' On the one hand, its design still carries the legacy and 'breath' of the bygone empire, while on the other, it is a full-fledged symbol of the new government, a coin of the RSFSR.

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Gold Rubles of Catherine II: Varieties and Prices of 1762 and 1779 Coins

09 янв · In 1762, a one-gold-ruble coin was issued, intended for the participants of the palace coup that brought Catherine II to power. The coin has several varieties, differing mainly in the mintmaster's initials and the mint mark.

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Value and Varieties of Polushka Coins of the Russian Empire from 1736–1745

09 янв · In 1736, two main types of Polushka coins were issued, minted at different mints and distinguished by the depiction of the eagle on the reverse. These differences significantly affect the collectible value and market price of the coins.

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Gold Ruble of Elizabeth I's Era: Types, Characteristics, and Value

08 янв · During the reign of Empress Elizabeth I, gold rubles of two main types were issued. The first type was serial coins intended for general circulation. The second was trial specimens minted for palace use. These coins have many varieties, differing by mint and design details.

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The Purchasing Power of the Tsarist Ruble: Myths and Reality

08 янв · One of the common myths is the idea of the extremely high purchasing power of the pre-revolutionary ruble. This myth, actively promoted since the late 1980s, is based on recalculating the ruble's value through its gold content.

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The Local Money of Tsaritsyn: A History of Temporary Credit Notes

08 янв · During the Civil War, the city of Tsaritsyn, later known as Stalingrad and now Volgograd, was a district town within the Saratov Governorate. Despite its status, it was a large and developing center that, like many other settlements in the former Russian Empire, faced serious economic difficulties.

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The Antiques Village: Treasures and Secrets of the Polish Market

08 янв · Near the Polish city of Poznań lies a unique village that has become a real hub for lovers of antiquity. Most of its residents are involved in the antiques trade in one way or another, buying and selling old items. This place attracts connoisseurs from all over the region and even from other countries.

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What is a Chronograph in a Watch: Types, How It Works, and How to Set It Up

26 дек · The chronograph as we know it today appeared in the early 20th century. Initially, this feature gained great popularity in aviation and sports, where precise measurement of short time intervals was required.

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The History of Perfumery: Collecting Vintage Fragrances

28 нояб · Collecting vintage fragrances is a fascinating hunt for the perfume treasures of the past. Perfumes are generally considered vintage if they were released at least 15-20 years ago, but bottles that are 50 years old or more are of particular interest to collectors. This is not just about buying old perfumes, but about the opportunity to touch history in a bottle.

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Mysteries of Antique Maps: How Geographical Atlases Became Works of Art

28 нояб · Initially, geographical maps were purely practical tools, vital for sailors, merchants, and explorers. They helped to plot routes, avoid dangers, and reach distant lands. Over time, however, maps ceased to be mere diagrams and evolved into something more.

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Legendary Cars: The Stories of Ferrari, Porsche, and Other Automotive Icons

28 нояб · There are thousands of car models in the world, but only a few achieve the status of an icon. A legendary car is more than just metal and mechanics. It is history frozen in form, a symbol of an era, and an object of desire for millions. Such cars become collectibles not by chance, but thanks to a unique combination of factors that make them stand out from the rest.

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Marvel and DC Comics: How Illustrated Stories Became Part of Mainstream Culture and Expensive Lots

27 нояб · Once, comics were simple magazines sold at newsstands for just 10 cents. No one could have guessed that these cheap booklets with illustrated stories about heroes in tights would eventually turn into a cultural phenomenon and objects of multi-million dollar investments. Their journey from mass entertainment to expensive collector's items is the story of an entire era.

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Not Just Toys: The History of Toy Soldiers as Military Miniatures

27 нояб · Figures of warriors have accompanied humanity since ancient times. Miniature depictions of soldiers, meant to serve them in the afterlife, were found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. In Ancient Rome and Greece, clay and bronze statuettes of warriors were used as toys and ritual objects.

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The History of Silverware: From Tsarist Feasts to Family Heirlooms

27 нояб · The history of silverware in Russia is closely linked to the era of Peter the Great and his efforts to Europeanize the lifestyle of the nobility. Until the 18th century, silver tableware was a privilege exclusively for the tsarist court and the highest nobility, but it was Peter's reforms that initiated the widespread adoption of silver sets as a symbol of status and wealth.

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The Evolution of the Camera: From Camera Obscura to the Legendary 'Leica'

27 нояб · The path to the creation of photography began long before the invention of film and lenses. The foundation of it all was the camera obscura, which translates from Latin as 'dark room.' This simple optical device, known since the time of Aristotle, is a light-proof box with a small hole in one of its walls.

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Behind Every Postcard – a Story: A Guide to the World of Deltiology

27 нояб · Collecting postcards, or deltiology, is much more than just a hobby. It's a way to connect with history, art, and geography through small cardboard cards that once traveled the world, carrying news, greetings, and views of distant cities.

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Soviet Christmas Ornaments: Nostalgia Embodied in Glass

27 нояб · The history of Soviet Christmas tree decorations begins not with glass, but with simpler and more accessible materials. In the 1930s, after the official return of the New Year's tree as a children's holiday, factories began mass-producing ornaments from pressed cotton wool, papier-mâché, and cardboard.

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Vinyl Returns: The History and Magic of Analog Sound

27 нояб · In a world where music is available with a single click through streaming services, a surprising phenomenon is being observed—the return of vinyl records. This renaissance of analog sound attracts not only seasoned collectors but also a new generation of listeners seeking a deeper and more meaningful interaction with music. Vinyl has ceased to be just a medium, transforming into a cultural symbol and an artifact of special value.

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From Postal Necessity to Treasure: The Story of the First Postage Stamp

27 нояб · Until the mid-19th century, Great Britain's postal system was in a state of chaos. Sending a letter was an expensive and complicated affair, full of illogical rules. The main burden of the cost fell not on the sender, but on the recipient, which often led to refusals to accept correspondence.

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Legendary Rolex Watches: The History of Models That Changed the World

27 нояб · The history of Rolex is a story of a relentless pursuit of perfection. Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, the company focused from the very beginning on creating precise and reliable wristwatches, which was a revolutionary idea at the time. A key breakthrough was the creation of the world's first waterproof and dustproof Oyster case in 1926, which proved its reliability by crossing the English Channel on the wrist of swimmer Mercedes Gleitze.

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How Soviet Porcelain Became a Collector's Hunt

27 нояб · Once, porcelain figurines and dinner sets were found in almost every Soviet home, decorating sideboard shelves and considered a sign of prosperity. Today, these items have become objects of desire for collectors, and prices for rare pieces at Christie's and Sotheby's auctions can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

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The History of the Iconic Zippo Lighter: From the Trenches to Hollywood

27 нояб · The Zippo story begins in 1932 in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Its creator, George Grant Blaisdell, decided to improve upon a cumbersome Austrian lighter, making it not only elegant but also extremely functional. The main goal was to create a lighter that would work even in strong winds and could be operated with one hand.

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Rare British Gold Sovereign: The Story of a Unique George VI Coin

23 нояб · Among the many collectible coins, the British gold sovereign holds a special place. This coin is known worldwide, but some examples stand out even among their peers. One such coin is the 1937 gold sovereign, minted during the reign of King George VI.

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1886 Morgan Dollar: Popularity and Grading

23 нояб · Morgan Dollars, often called 'Morgan Bucks,' enjoy enduring and high popularity. These coins are considered legendary, and their demand among collectors is expected to continue for many years to come.

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The History of the Imperial Fabergé Eggs

23 нояб · The tradition of giving precious Fabergé eggs for Easter originated with Emperor Alexander III. In 1885, the fifth year of his reign, he decided to give an unusual gift to his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna, who was a Danish princess born in Copenhagen.

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Soviet Christmas Ornaments: Nostalgia Embodied in Glass

23 нояб · For many who grew up in the USSR, an old box of Christmas ornaments is a true portal to childhood. Fragile glass baubles, clip-on figurines, and cotton-wool animals evoke a warm feeling of nostalgia. However, these decorations are more than just family heirlooms. They are silent witnesses to history, reflecting in their design all the key events, ideological attitudes, and cultural trends of a vast country. From the first cardboard figures symbolizing the new Soviet era to cosmonauts celebrating scientific breakthroughs, each ornament told its own small story against the backdrop of a larger one.

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Legendary Rolex Watches: The History of Models That Changed the World

23 нояб · The history of Rolex is not just the story of a watch brand, but a chronicle of a relentless pursuit of perfection. The company's founder, Hans Wilsdorf, set an ambitious goal from the very beginning: to create wristwatches that were not only elegant but also exceptionally precise and reliable. In the early 20th century, wristwatches were considered fragile and inaccurate female accessories, while men preferred pocket chronometers. Wilsdorf was convinced that the future belonged to the wristwatch, if its main problems—vulnerability to dust and moisture—could be solved.

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The 15 Ruble Gold Coin of 1897: History and Value of Nicholas II's 'Imperial'

23 нояб · The 15 ruble gold coin of 1897 appeared during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II. Its issuance was a direct consequence of the monetary reform carried out by Sergei Yulyevich Witte in 1895–1897. The main goal of the reform was to introduce gold monometallism in Russia, modeled after Great Britain, to strengthen the financial system.

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New 5-Ruble Paper Bill: Unboxing, Review, and Reaction to the 2023 Banknote

23 нояб · Banknotes with a face value of 5 rubles have reappeared in circulation. These bills, being a supplemental printing of the 1997 design, were manufactured in 2022. They are supplied in sealed bank packages, so-called 'bricks,' each containing 1,000 banknotes for a total value of 5,000 rubles.

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Overview of a Collection of Russian Empire Silver Coins

23 нояб · The first page of the album is dedicated to large silver coins from the late 19th century. The centerpiece is the commemorative coronation rubles, issued in honor of the accession to the throne of the last two Russian emperors.

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The Gold Centenario: History and Characteristics of the Mexican 50 Peso Coin

23 нояб · The 1947 Mexican 50 peso coin holds a special place among the world's gold coins. In numismatic circles, it is better known as the 'Centenario.' This coin attracts attention not only for its weight but also for its rich history.

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The Rare 1908 $20 Coin: History of the 'Godless' Coin

23 нояб · The $20 gold coin, known as the 'Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle,' is one of the most iconic in American numismatics. Its design was created by the renowned American sculptor and medalist Augustus Saint-Gaudens. These coins were minted from 1907 to 1933, becoming a true work of art.

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