Rare gold issue from the reign of Alexander II.
The 3 Roubles denomination was introduced into the Russian monetary system by Imperial decree on 11 February 1869 and remained in production until 1885. Its introduction was associated with the cessation of Dutch ducat coinage at the St. Petersburg Mint and the replacement of the earlier Russo-Polish gold coins denominated as 3 Roubles = 20 Złotych.
The coin was struck at the St. Petersburg Mint, as indicated by the mintmark СПБ, while the initials НІ refer to the mintmaster Nikolai Iossa, who held the office from 1862 to 1882.
The reverse bears the denomination together with the inscription "ЧИСТАГО ЗОЛОТА 81 ДОЛЯ" ("Pure Gold – 81 Dolyas"), specifying the coin's fine gold content according to the traditional Russian weight system.
Carthweel effect on both sides.
Gold, diameter 20 mm, weight 3.90 g
