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.


Kaliningrad, the capital of the Kaliningrad region, is the westernmost regional center in Russia. Originally known as Tuvangaste before 1255, it was named Kenigsberg (Konigsberg) from 1255 to 1946.

Constructed in 1255, Konigsberg Castle by the Teutonic Knights became their headquarters in 1457. From 1773 to 1945, Konigsberg served as the center of East Prussia. In 1919, Konigsberg opened Devau airport, one of Germany's earliest airports.

Severely damaged during World War II in 1944, Konigsberg's historic center, including the castle, cathedral, churches, and universities, was completely destroyed in Allied air attacks.

In 1945, Konigsberg became part of the Soviet Union (as part of the Russian SFSR) and was renamed Kaliningrad in 1946, after the death of Mikhail Kalinin, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. The city underwent a transformation, with the expulsion of German residents and the resettlement of Russians.

Issue date: 19.05.2005