You’ve probably seen it. That strange, two-headed bird staring in opposite directions on an old piece of silver or gold. It looks aggressive. Maybe a bit regal? It’s the double headed eagle coin, and honestly, if you find one in a bin of "junk" silver, you might be looking at a piece of history that spans from the Byzantine Empire to the Russian Tsars.
Most people think of the American Double Eagle—the $20 gold piece—when they hear "eagle coin." But that’s a different beast entirely. The double-headed version is something else. It represents power looking east and west simultaneously. It’s about empires. It’s about the kind of ego that only a monarch from the 1700s could truly pull off.
Where Did This Bird Even Come From?
It’s old. Like, really old.
While most modern collectors associate the double headed eagle coin with Russia or the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the symbol actually predates them by millennia. We’re talking Hittite Empire old. But for the sake of your coin collection, the story really starts with the Byzantines. They used the two heads to signify the Empire’s dominance over both Europe and Asia. When Constantinople fell in 1453, the symbol didn't die. It just moved.
Ivan III of Russia married Sophia Palaiologina, the niece of the last Byzantine emperor. He basically said, "This is mine now," and adopted the double-headed eagle as the state crest of Russia. From that point on, Russian coinage became the most prolific home for this specific design.
If you’re holding a Russian 5 Kopeks from the 1700s, you’ll see it. It’s massive. Catherine the Great loved putting this bird on her copper "motto" coins. These things are heavy. They feel like weapons. A copper 5 Kopek piece can weigh over 50 grams. Compare that to a modern US quarter which is about 5.6 grams. It's a chunky piece of history.
The Russian Imperial Influence
The Russian Empire is the big player here. From the late 15th century all the way to the 1917 Revolution, the double-headed eagle was the undisputed king of their currency.
Nicholas II, the last Tsar, issued some of the most beautiful examples. His gold 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 Rus coins (and the more common Rubles) feature a highly detailed eagle clutching a scepter and an orb. It’s intricate. If you look closely with a loupe, you can see the tiny shields on the eagle's wings. Each shield represents a kingdom or duchy under the Tsar's control—Kazan, Astrakhan, Siberia, Poland. It’s a map disguised as a bird.
But here is the thing: condition is everything.
Because these coins were used in actual commerce across a massive, rugged empire, finding one in "Mint State" is a nightmare. Most are worn down. The eagle’s feathers become smooth. The "George the Victorious" shield on the eagle's chest—that's the tiny knight slaying a dragon—is usually the first thing to rub away. If you find a Russian double headed eagle coin where you can still see the dragon’s scales, you’ve found something special.
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Don't Confuse It With the Austrian Versions
Wait. Austria did it too.
The Holy Roman Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire used the double-headed eagle extensively. If you see a silver Thaler or a gold Ducat with a bird that looks a bit more "pointy" and "heraldic" than the Russian version, it’s probably Austrian.
Take the 1915 Franz Joseph I 4 Ducat. It’s one of the most famous coins in the world. It’s also a bit of a "cheat." See, almost every 1915-dated 4 Ducat you see today is actually a modern restrike produced by the Austrian Mint. They keep the 1915 date to commemorate the Emperor, but they’ve been minting them for decades as bullion.
They are incredibly thin. Like, "don't bend it with your fingers" thin. But they are nearly pure gold (.986 fine). The double-headed eagle on these is massive, covering almost the entire reverse. It’s a masterpiece of engraving, but since they are restrikes, they don't carry the same "antique" premium as an original Russian Ruble from 1894.
The Weird Outliers: Albania and Beyond
Albania still uses the double-headed eagle on their flag and their Lek coins. It’s black, it’s stark, and it looks very different from the Imperial versions. It’s more of a silhouette.
Then you have the Serbian coins. And the Greek Orthodox Church tokens.
The point is, the "double headed eagle coin" isn't one specific thing. It's a category. If you’re searching for these online, you have to be specific. Are you looking for a "Kopek," a "Thaler," a "Ducat," or a "Lek"?
What to Look for When Buying
Kinda obvious, but watch out for fakes. High-end Russian coins are some of the most counterfeited items in the numismatic world right now.
Why? Because the market for Russian Imperial coins exploded in the early 2000s when wealthy Russians started buying back their heritage. Prices for rare dates went through the roof.
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- Check the Edge: Many Imperial coins had "lettered" edges or specific patterns. If the edge is smooth when it should have text, run away.
- The "Ping" Test: Gold and silver have a specific ring. If you balance a silver Ruble on your finger and tap it with a pen, it should sing. A dull thud usually means it's a base metal fake.
- The Details: Look at the eagle’s eyes. On genuine strikes, they are sharp. On cast fakes, the whole bird looks "mushy," like it was made of cold chocolate that partially melted.
The Rarity Factor
Some of these aren't just "cool old coins." They are "buy a house" coins.
The 1755 Pattern 20 Ruble piece? It’s legendary. It features the double-headed eagle and Empress Elizabeth. Only a handful exist. One sold for over $2.5 million years ago. Even the more "common" gold coins from the 1700s can easily fetch five figures.
But you don't need millions. You can get a massive copper 5 Kopeks from the 1770s for maybe $50 to $100. It’s a giant hunk of history that feels significant in your hand.
Spotting the Nuance in Design
Collectors often argue about "types." Throughout the 1800s, the Russian eagle changed. Sometimes the wings were up. Sometimes they were down. In the 1830s, under Nicholas I, they used what collectors call the "Wings Down" eagle. It looks a bit more subdued, almost sad.
Later, they switched back to the "Wings Up" design, which looks much more aggressive and triumphant. Knowing which eagle belongs to which era is how you spot a "mule"—a coin struck with two dies that weren't supposed to be together. Mules are rare. Mules are expensive.
How to Start a Collection Without Breaking the Bank
Look, if you want a double headed eagle coin, don't start with gold. It's too stressful.
Start with 19th-century silver. The Russian 10, 15, and 20 Kopek pieces are small, but they feature the eagle in great detail. You can often find these in "junk" bins at coin shows because they are small and people overlook them.
Or, go for the Austrian 20 Kreuzer pieces from the mid-1800s. They are silver, they are affordable, and the eagle design is incredibly crisp.
Why This Symbol Still Matters
In a world of digital currency and boring, flat modern coins, the double-headed eagle is a reminder of when money was a statement. It wasn't just a medium of exchange; it was a physical manifestation of an empire’s reach. It’s a bit over the top. It’s definitely dramatic. But that’s why we love it.
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You aren't just holding metal. You're holding a symbol that survived the fall of Rome, the rise of the Tsars, and the chaos of the World Wars.
Identifying Your Find: A Quick Checklist
If you just found a coin and you’re trying to figure out if it’s "the" eagle, look for these specific markers:
- Two heads: Obviously. But check if they are crowned. Usually, there’s a large crown floating between the two heads and smaller crowns on each head.
- The Chest Shield: Russian coins almost always have St. George. Austrian coins usually have a more complex coat of arms with vertical bars or lions.
- The Claws: Is it holding a scepter (looks like a fancy stick) and an orb (a ball with a cross)? That’s a classic Imperial signifier.
- The Date: If it’s before 1917, you’re likely looking at a "circulating" coin. If it’s dated 1915 but looks brand new, check if it’s an Austrian restrike.
Actionable Steps for New Collectors
If you're ready to hunt for one of these, don't just hit eBay blindly.
First, go to Numista. It is the Wikipedia of coins. Type in "double headed eagle" and filter by country. This will show you the sheer variety of what's out there so you don't overpay for a common coin thinking it's a rarity.
Second, visit a local coin show. Ask dealers for "Imperial Russian copper" or "Austrian silver." Most dealers have a few of these tucked away in back binders because they aren't as "liquid" as US Silver Eagles or Morgan Dollars. This is where you find the deals.
Third, get a 10x jeweler’s loupe. You cannot appreciate the detail on a double headed eagle coin with the naked eye. You need to see the tiny feathers, the crown jewels, and the mint marks hidden under the eagle's claws.
Finally, focus on "Type" collecting. Instead of trying to get every year of a specific coin, try to get one eagle from Russia, one from Austria, and one from Serbia. It makes for a much more interesting display than a row of identical coins with different dates.
Start with the heavy copper. There is something satisfying about holding a 50-gram coin from 1790 that has a giant two-headed bird on it. It’s a conversation starter that actually has some weight to it. Literally.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Verify the Metal: Use a magnet. If your "silver" or "gold" eagle coin sticks to a magnet, it’s a cheap steel counterfeit.
- Measure the Diameter: Use a digital caliper to check the coin's width against official specs on Numista. Counterfeits are often a millimeter or two off.
- Check the Mint Mark: Russian coins have tiny letters like СПБ (St. Petersburg) or ЕМ (Ekaterinburg). Finding an "EM" mark on a huge copper 5 Kopek is the classic entry point for this hobby.