Russia 5-RUBLES (Y280)¶
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Reverse: BLAKISTON'S FISH OWL
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Obverse: Denomination
- Composition
- Brass in Copper-nickel ring
- Country
- Russia
- Approx. Size
- 25mm
- Area
- Europe
- Animal Class
- Birds
- Species
- Blakiston's Fish Owl
- KM#
- 280
In 1991, the Soviet Union was breaking up, and the Bank of Russia issued a series of seven coins with denominations ranging from 10 kopecks to 10 rubles.
This bi-metallic 5 ruble coin features a Blakiston's Fish Owl on the reverse. This huge bird is the largest owl species in the world, with the largest females weighing close to 4 kg. Their wingspan can reach 190 cm and they are found in the far eastern parts of Russian (northern Asia). They are an endangered species.
Russia¶
- Area
- Europe
With over 17 million square kilometers of territory, the Russian Federation is the largest country on earth by a wide margin. (Canada, the second largest country, has just under 10 million square kilometers.) And with over 142 million people (2010 est.), it is in the top ten countries for population.Russia's history starts between the 3rd to 8th centuries with the Vikings and charts a colourful course to the Russian Empire of the 18th century -- the third largest empire in history. Russia was the main member of the USSR (Soviet Union) until its collapse in 1991. Lots of problems, including numerous armed conflicts, plagued Russia in the final years of the 20th century, but the start of the 21st century saw a return to stability and renewed progress. Russia has an extremely strong history of excellence in arts and the sciences, as well as technology.
Is Russia in Europe or Asia? Well, both. Sort of. Most of its landmass is east of the Ural mountains, which would be considered Northern Asia. But most of its population, and capital city Moscow, are in Europe. And culturally, Russia is European rather than Asian. Therefore, it is listed under Europe.
