Description

In 2002 the Central Bank of the Russian Federation began an annual program that each year commemorates some of their historical towns on bi-metallic 10 Ruble coins. The coins picture the city and its arms on one side and has the standard Russian 10 Ruble obverse on the other. Unlike a lot of coin programs throughout the world there is no set regularity to the number of coins released each year in this series, with some years seeing 4 coins issued and other years only 3.

Torzhok, situated on the Tvertsa River in Tver Oblast, Russia, is renowned for its traditional craft of goldwork embroidery.

First documented in 1139 as Novy Torg, Torzhok faced destruction by the Mongols in 1238, yet its strategic importance in controlling the grain route to Novgorod spared it from further devastation. The town, deemed crucial to the Novgorod Republic, witnessed frequent changes of possession during feudal conflicts.

In 1478, Torzhok became part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow alongside the rest of the Novgorod Republic. Throughout the Time of Troubles, it suffered from Polish army incursions. In the imperial era, Torzhok served as a vital post station along the Moscow-St. Petersburg highway, and Alexander Pushkin, a frequent traveler through the town, is commemorated with a dedicated museum.

Issue date: 02.10.2006