1911 Russian 3 kopek Key Ring

In 1704, Russia became the first country in the world to decimalize its currency. The kopek -- which had been around for a couple of hundred years -- was then declared to be 1/100th of a ruble. The word "kopek" is from the Russian kop'yo (копьё) — spear. The first kopeks featured a horseman carrying a spear. The double-headed eagle is a very ancient heraldic device. It was adopted by Russia in 1472, when Ivan III married the niece of the last Byzantine Emperor, Constantine. The device was the official symbol of the Byzantine Empire, and Ivan was declaring himself its true heir. It symbolizes East and West, Church and State. The modern Russian coat of arms has retained this symbol. PERMISSIONS: this coin is a hundred years old and several governments ago. Currency is not copyrighted in Russia.