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.

Kozelsk is a town in the Kaluga Region of the Russian Federation. This town was first mentioned in Russian chronicles back in 1146. Founded at the place of an ancient settlement of Vyatichi Slavs, Kozelsk was originally part of the Chernigov Principality. Then, as a result of the internal strife between principalities, the town became part of the Principality of Novgorod-Seversk as a sub-principality.

Kozelsk is famous for the legendary seven-week defence against Batu Khan’s army in 1238. All residents died, the town was destroyed, while Batu Khan infuriated by Kozelsk’s fortitude dubbed it an ‘evil town’.

Later on, Kozelsk became part of the Karachev Principality. In the second half of the 14th century, the town was under the rule of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1494, Kozelsk became part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow.

From 8 October through 28 December 1941, Kozelsk was occupied by Nazi aggressors. On 5 December 2009, Kozelsk was awarded the honorary title ‘City of Military Glory’ for the courage, fortitude and valour of people who defended Kozelsk.

Date of issue: 20.07.2020