Building My ddddd ex-Soviet Nations Set: A Collector’s Journey

I’ve always been drawn to coins from the former Soviet republics, ever since I discovered Kazakhstan’s striking bimetallic space series years ago. That first find lit a spark, and I set myself a challenge: build a complete set of silver coins from all fifteen ex-Soviet nations, each minted after their 1991 independence and professionally graded. What started as a simple checklist soon became a real adventure, pulling me into the stories of related regions and even disputed territories. I picked up more than just coins along the way.

The Foundation: The Fifteen Republics

My core set features one silver coin per republic, chosen for top grades and designs that speak to me. Here are some personal highlights:

• Armenia (2007): A 1000 Dram proof celebrating local plants and wildlife, struck in 0.925 silver by the Czech Mint. Only 500 exist. My PCGS PR 69 DCAM copy makes every detail shine.
• Kazakhstan (2013): The ‘Homeland of Apples’ 500 Tenge still takes my breath away. That contrast between gilded and reverse proof surfaces? Stunning. The PCGS PR 70 DCAM grade confirms its flawless strike. With 7,000 minted, it’s findable but always popular.
• Ukraine (2013): This 10 Hryven heritage coin came straight from mint reps at an ANA show. Its powerful design feels like holding history.
• Kyrgyzstan (2017): The ‘Age of the Kyrgyz Khaganate’ 10 Som won me over with its artistry. Graded NGC PF 69 UCAM, it’s scarce with just 1,000 made.

Some were real battles – Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan coins test both your patience and wallet. But isn’t that half the fun?

Beyond the Borders: Add-ons and Disputed Territories

As the collection grew, I found myself adding neighbors like Afghanistan and Mongolia. Afghanistan’s 1995 UN anniversary coin (PCGS PR 69 DCAM) carries real historical weight. Mongolia’s 2021 ‘Wild Mongolia’ piece? Pure eye candy with its low mintage. For places like Transnistria or South Ossetia, I bent my rules – no silver or grading required. These semi-official oddities, like Transnistria’s steel wildcat coin, add fascinating layers to the story.

Collecting Insights and Practical Tips

Here’s what I’ve learned that might help fellow collectors:

• Grading Matters: Stick with PCGS or NGC when you can. My Russia ‘Year of the Tiger’ in PCGS PR 70 DCAM holds value far better than raw coins.
• Market Watch: Prices swing wildly. I’ve seen Turkmenistan pieces over $200 on eBay – patience saved me cash when I snagged my Azerbaijan coin via buy-it-now after losing an auction. Set alerts on Great Collections.
• Rarity Rules: Chase low-mintage coins like Georgia’s 1,500-piece stamp anniversary issue. They’re tougher to find but worth it.
• Design First: Focus on coins that tell a country’s story. I love how my Armenia and Kazakhstan fruit coins look together – they create a conversation in the display case.

Favorite Finds and Why They Shine

Some pieces just grab you. Kazakhstan’s apple coin dazzles with its dual finishes. Kyrgyzstan’s warrior piece pulls you into its history. And Ukraine’s coin? It’s special both for its design and how I found it – straight from the source. Compared to modern US releases, these ex-Soviet coins often have smaller mintages and more authentic cultural voices. They’re not just metal – they’re storytellers.

Sourcing and Buying Advice

Here’s how I track down these treasures:

• Cast a Wide Net: eBay auctions (especially no-reserve), Great Collections for graded pieces, and ANA shows all deliver. Mint reps can be goldmines – that’s how I landed my Ukraine coin.
• Auction Smarts: Bid late to avoid price wars. Don’t fear buy-it-now deals – I once grabbed a coin cheaper months after losing the auction.
• Spend Smart: Start with accessible coins like Estonia’s or Latvia’s niobium-silver issues before tackling rarities. If prices feel high, wait – better deals usually come.

Building this set has been an incredible ride through history, art, and the pure thrill of the hunt. If world coins or precious metals call to you, give ex-Soviet pieces a look. They’ll challenge you, surprise you, and leave you grinning at the case.