On June 17, 2025, the Bank of Russia will release a 3-ruble silver commemorative coin titled ‘The First Professional Theatre in Russia’ (Catalogue No. 5111-0521). This coin honors the historical significance of the Volkov Theatre, which began in Yaroslavl in July 1750. Fyodor Volkov, a merchant’s son, led a young theatre troupe to perform their first theatrical production there. The Volkov Theatre is notable for being the first public theatre in Russia that paid its actors and had its own building and permanent repertoire.
The coin is crafted from silver with a fine metal content of 31.1 grams and a fineness of 925/1,000. It has a round shape with a diameter of 39.0 mm and features relief rims on both sides.
The obverse side displays the National Coat of Arms of the Russian Federation along with inscriptions denoting ‘РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ’ (RUSSIAN FEDERATION) and ‘БАНК РОССИИ’ (BANK OF RUSSIA). It also includes the denomination ‘3 РУБЛЯ’ (3 RUBLES), the year ‘2025 г.’ (2025), chemical symbol details according to Mendeleev’s Periodic Table, fineness information, the Saint Petersburg Mint trademark, and fine metal content.
On the reverse side are relief images depicting the building of the Russian State Academic Drama Theatre named after Fyodor Volkov and an allegorical sculptural group on its façade. The inscription ‘ПЕРВЫЙ РУССКИЙ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНЫЙ ТЕАТР’ (THE FIRST PROFESSIONAL THEATRE IN RUSSIA) is featured at the top around the circumference. Additionally, it reads ‘ОСНОВАН В 1750 ГОДУ В ЯРОСЛАВЛЕ Ф.Г. ВОЛКОВЫМ’ (FOUNDED IN 1750 IN YAROSLAVL BY FYODOR VOLKOV) at the bottom left, finished with laser treatment for a matte effect.
The edge of this proof-quality coin is corrugated. With a mintage limited to 3,000 pieces, it will serve as legal tender within Russia and must be accepted for all payments without restrictions at face value.
Reference to the Press Service is mandatory if this material is used.
