Obverse. Photo © Coinsberg.com
  • 20 Kwacha 2010, Malawi, Treasures of St. Petersburg, Saint Isaac's Cathedral
  • 20 Kwacha 2010, Malawi, Treasures of St. Petersburg, Saint Isaac's Cathedral
Description

Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, Saint Petersburg is not only a city rich in beauty and attractions, but it also served as the capital of Imperial Russia under the rule of the tsars. This has left the city with a remarkable historical legacy and an array of grand palaces from the tsarist era. Despite the fall of Tsarist Russia, many of these opulent structures remain, now preserved as key tourist attractions. The St. Petersburg palace coin series offers a glimpse into the lives of the city’s aristocratic families, such as the Yusupovs, Stroganovs, and Sheremetyevs, each palace holding its own secrets and stories.

For three centuries Saint Petersburg was the capital of Russia. The richest people of the Empire lived and worked here while investing money in their beautiful city. Nowadays royal palaces became the state museums but locals still live in former aristocratic mansions. Numerous architectural gems, unusual historical places are open to the public yet are hidden from the eyes of tourists. This tour is designed for those who want to see more than typical places in a popular guidebook. Special and rare spots only locals know, but with great historical and art value.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi within a circle below the country name, a map of the whole Russian Federation Republic pointed to St Petersburg on the map, denomination at the left and year of issue below.

Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence.

REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
UNITY AND FREEDOM
St. Petersburg
MWK 20
2009

Reverse

Depicts a multicolored general view of the Saint Isaac's Cathedral with its large dome and pillars, the series title "Treasures of St. Petersburg" dividing the statues of the apostles Peter and Paul above and the cathedral name below.

Saint Isaac's Cathedral, also known as Isaakievskiy Sobor (Russian: Исаа́киевский Собо́р), is a prominent architectural landmark in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Originally built as a cathedral, it was dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, the patron saint of Peter the Great, and was later converted into a museum by the Soviet government in 1931. The cathedral continues to function as a museum today, with occasional church services held in a side chapel since the 1990s. In 2017, the Governor of Saint Petersburg proposed transferring the cathedral back to the Russian Orthodox Church, but strong public opposition prevented the move. The cathedral remains under the administration of the museum, though church services are held on select religious occasions.

The construction of Saint Isaac's Cathedral began in 1818 under the direction of French-born architect Auguste de Montferrand and took 40 years to complete. Montferrand’s design faced criticism from some Russian architects for its perceived lack of grandeur, but Tsar Alexander I supported his plans. The building's foundation was reinforced with 25,000 piles to secure it on the marshy ground of Saint Petersburg, and its iconic portico columns were erected using innovative techniques. The construction costs amounted to 1,000,000 gold rubles. During World War II, the dome was painted gray to avoid attracting enemy aircraft. Today, the cathedral stands as a symbol of Saint Petersburg’s rich history, hosting occasional church services, including the notable royal wedding of Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia in 2021—the first such event in Russia since 1917.

Saints Peter and Paul are regarded as the foundational pillars of the Church. Peter symbolizes the Church's stability and the authority of the Vicar of Christ, while Paul embodies the Church's mission of evangelization, entrusted to it directly by Jesus.

TREASURES OF
ST. PETERSBURG
St. Isaac's Cathedral

Edge

20 Kwacha

Republic
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.1 g
Diameter 45 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Republic, Hermitage and Alexander Column

Treasures of St. Petersburg

Silver, 31.1 g, ⌀ 45 mm