One (1) beard token, novodel
Russia, 1705
Obverse Image: Nose, mustache, and beard with border around.
Obverse Text: ДЕНГИ ВЗИТЬІ (Money Collected)
Reverse Image: Double headed eagle with leaf border around.
Reverse Text: АΨЕ ГОДУ (Year 1705)
This jeton or beard token was issued in 1705 by Peter I. Better known as Peter the Great and a member of the Romanov dynasty, he ruled Russia from 1689-1725. Peter l founded Saint Petersburg in 1703 and brought Western culture to Orthodox Russia. In his new city, men were expected to shave their faces and wear western clothes. Anyone wishing to remain bearded had to pay a tax and carry this token as proof.
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