Polar Bear

Obverse

the two-headed eagle designed by artist I. Bilibin. The inscriptions along the rim: at the top — «50 РУБЛЕЙ 1997 г.» (50 RUBLES 1997), at the bottom — «БАНК РОССИИ» (BANK OF RUSSIA). The letters below indicate the metal sign, the fineness, the fine metal content and the mint trademark.

Reverse

the picture of a polar bear against a background of the Ursa Major Constellation. The inscription along the rim: «СОХРАНИМ НАШ МИР» (PROTECT OUR WORLD).

Authors

The artists: L.A. Vitte, A.A. Kolodkin
The sculptor: L.A. Vitte
Moscow Mint (ММД)
The edge: 134 corrugations

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a carnivorous animal and a typical representative of the Arctic. The polar bear can be found on the cost of Arctic Ocean, and in the ice of Arctic Regions. It reaches 3 meters in length and over 700 kg in weight. In Russia it inhabits Franz Joseph Land and Vrangel Island. The polar bear swims and dives well, it feeds chiefly on seals. The polar bear is under the threat of disappearance and is protected. The hunting on the polar bear is completely forbidden in Russia. The nursery was set up on Vrangel Island in 1976.