Hello Bobh, thanks for you clear explanation.
Is very logical what you say, as regards the absence of these "errors" on the rubles of the following years.
However it could be argued, for the same reason (beginning of a new coinage), which were not immediately adopted the punches with 2 stars. In this case it would be fair to call these pieces "edge-prototypes".
If they are went into circulation, maybe, is not surprising. Even those with smooth edge went in circulation (judging by the state of preservation of the specimens known).
Probably because, being a contract of the Russian state to a foreign mint, control was less rigid and what was important was the number of units produced.
Regarding your exemplar, it is evident that the punch of the second star has lost a spike. In this case it is simply a so-called "breaking die"...in your case "breaking punch"...but I allowed myself to "readjust" :-).
Have a good day to everybody.
Davide