MikeInMass

Wow, that would be perfect! It is so obvious a solution in hindsight, that I am red-faced that I didn't think of it myself! Thanks squirrel! Thanks also to the folks who sent me links to reasonably priced 10 ruble coins reputable online dealers that seem reputable... that is exactly what I was hoping for. Though I think I will look for a pair of 5 ruble coins now. I really appreciate everyone's help and input!

$400 or even $425 would be fine, but I can't find uncertified 10 rouble gold coins for less than $475 online. That's about a $100 premium to melt, which seems a bit steep. My local dealer's prices are even higher. I'm looking for an online dealer, or private party, who is knowledgeable enough not to unknowingly sell me a fake, and reputable enough not to knowingly sell me one. Thanks for any suggestions!

I am not really a coin collector, but I am a bit of a hard-currency bug. I have the opportunity to create a small educational display about the history of money, and I'd like to include both a pre-Revolutionary gold 10 rouble coin and a 10 rouble banknote from the same era. Obviously, the message is that one has held its value much better than the other! I have the banknote (cheap on eBay) and now need the coin. Price is certainly an issue since my budget is limited. I don't need an uncirculated or certified coin, since part of the presentation might be to take both items out and let kids handle them. It would seem a shame to pay for a holder that I am just going to crack open anyway. But I'm wary of the least expensive, uncertified coins on eBay, because of good quality fakes like the one mentioned here. I would not be able to pick a fake out by eye. I would really appreciate any pointers as to how I might pick up a low cost 10 rouble coin with some assurance of not ending up with a fake. Thanks very much for your help!