This Russia Ivan IV “The Terrible” silver kopek, struck at the Novgorod mint and certified AU50 by NGC, is an important example of 16th-century Russian coinage. Ivan IV (ruled 1533-1584) was the first Russian ruler formally crowned as Tsar and is known for centralizing the Russian state and his often brutal reign.

This silver kopek, known as a “wire money” coin, was typically hand-struck from a small, thin strip of silver wire, resulting in irregular shapes and sizes. Coins from this period usually feature, on the obverse, a depiction of a mounted horseman (sometimes interpreted as Ivan or a generic warrior) holding a spear, while the reverse displays a Cyrillic inscription naming the ruler and sometimes the mint. Novgorod mint was one of the key centers for producing these coins during Ivan’s rule.

The kopek weighs roughly 0.6 to 0.73 grams and measures about 14mm, providing a tangible link to the monetary reforms of Ivan IV—who standardized coinage as part of his efforts to consolidate power and foster commerce. High-grade examples like this, especially NGC-certified at AU50, are highly desirable among collectors for both their authenticity and preservation.

In summary, this NGC AU50 silver kopek from Ivan IV’s Novgorod mint is a genuine artifact of Tsarist Russia, valued for its historical significance, medieval minting technique, and status as a well-preserved piece from the turbulent era of Ivan the Terrible.