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Russia mints three new silver coins for its Red Book series
The Central Bank of Russia added three new silver commemorative coins depicting rare species to its Red Book series in August 2026. Each coin has a face value of 2 rubles and a mintage of 5,000, while the series aims to raise awareness of biodiversity.
Protecting rare species is among the priorities of environmental policy amid the decline in biodiversity. Efforts in this area include not only protecting wildlife habitats but also informing the public about endangered animals and plants.
Banknotes, postage stamps and commemorative coins are among the tools that bring little-known species into the public eye. Animal figures on currency can introduce countries’ natural heritage while strengthening interest in endangered species.
Animal figures on currency
Kyrgyzstan features the snow leopard on its coins as one of the symbols of its natural heritage. Polar bears and divers appear on Canadian coins, while kangaroos, echidnas and platypuses feature on Australian currency.
A 2-pound coin that entered circulation in the United Kingdom in 2026 depicted the endangered Sumatran tiger, Socorro dove and Partula snail. The coin was issued as part of a series dedicated to the protection of threatened species.
A study examining animal images on banknotes around the world assessed 4,541 banknotes from 207 countries and regions. The study identified images of 352 animal species; birds and mammals accounted for 83% of them, while approximately 30% of the images depicted threatened animals.
Russia’s Red Book coins
The Central Bank of Russia continues to add new issues to its Red Book commemorative coin series to introduce rare species. The series, launched in 1992, has included 85 coins to date.
During the series’ early years, it featured animals listed in the International Red Book or the Red Book of the Russian Federation. In later years, rare plant and mushroom species were also added to the collection.
The three new silver coins issued in August 2026 feature the Caucasian wildcat, spectacled eider and earless round-headed lizard. Each coin has a face value of 2 rubles, with a mintage of 5,000 for each species.
The press service of the Central Bank of Russia announced that the series aims to draw attention to the risk of extinction facing animal and plant species and contribute to the development of a more respectful approach to nature.
The Red Book series attracts the interest of nature enthusiasts as well as collectors. The Central Bank of Russia organizes photographic exhibitions across the country featuring images of the coins and information about animals included in the Red Book.
How images affect conservation awareness
Çisel Kemahlı Aytekin, coordinator of the Biodiversity Conservation Program at the Nature Conservation Center, said featuring rare species on currency, stamps and other visual elements encountered in daily life could increase interest in biodiversity.
Aytekin said making species that are little known to the public but under threat more visible in public spaces could encourage people to learn more about them and build a connection with the natural wealth of the regions where they live.
Aytekin said the impact of such images increases when they are accompanied by clear information about the species’ role in the ecosystem, habitat and the threats they face.
Aytekin also said a scientific approach should be maintained when selecting species for similar initiatives. She said the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List and national red books could be used as references when determining species’ conservation status.
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