Polar Bear

Obverse

the two-headed eagle designed by artist I. Bilibin. The inscriptions along the rim: at the top — «10 000 РУБЛЕЙ 1997 г.» (10,000 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 reverse: The reverse: The reverse: The reverse: The reverse: the picture of a polar she-bear with two bear-cubs against a background of ice-hummocks, a bird and the sun. The inscription along the rim: «СОХРАНИМ НАШ МИР» (PROTECT OUR WORLD).

Authors

The artist: A.V. Baklanov
The sculptor: A.A. Dolgopolova
Moscow Mint (ММД)
The edge: 360 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.