Raven Kutkh

Obverse

a relief image of the National Coat of Arms of the Russian Federation, above it along the rim the inscription in a semicircle ‘РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ’ (RUSSIAN FEDERATION) framed with paired diamonds on both sides, under the coat of arms on the left the chemical symbol and fineness of the metal and on the right the fine metal content and the mint mark, at the bottom centre in three lines the inscription ‘БАНК РОССИИ’ (BANK OF RUSSIA), the coin denomination ‘3 РУБЛЯ’ (3 RUBLES), and the year of issue ‘2026 г.’ (2026).

Reverse

a relief image of a fairy-tale raven riding a sledge harnessed by a humpback salmon against the background of a landscape with a mountain and a forest, laser treated for matte finishing, and a colour image of the sun, the rays of which are made with the effect of light interference; and the inscriptions around the circumference: ‘ЛЕГЕНДЫ И СКАЗКИ НАРОДОВ РОССИИ’ (LEGENDS AND FOLKTALES OF RUSSIA) at the top and ‘ВОРОН КУТХ’ (RAVEN KUTKH) at the bottom.

Authors

Designers: E.V. Kramskaya (obverse), A.V. Gnidin (reverse).
Sculptors: A.A. Dolgopolova (obverse), A.V. Gnidin (reverse).
Mint: Saint Petersburg Mint (СПМД).
Edge: 300 corrugations.

Discover more

Kutkh (he is also known as Quikinnaqu or KutqÍnnaku among the Koryaks and as Kúrkil among the Chukchi) plays a central role in the mythology of indigenous peoples of Kamchatka. He is depicted as a black raven with a sharp beak and lush feathers. Most frequently, Kutkh is depicted wearing a kukhlyanka parka – the traditional attire of the indigenous peoples of the North made from reindeer and seal hide, with or without a hood, and decorated with embroideries made of reindeer hair, fur, beads, and coloured threads.

According to myths, Kutkh is the creator of the world, a wizard, and the protector of all living things. Besides, he is also a jester, a simpleton, a trickster, and a rogue invented to entertain people. As the creator of the Earth, Kutkh obtained light, lit celestial bodies, created rivers full of fish, mountains that he filled with his hot breath, creating volcanoes, valleys and gorges, and everything that grows on earth. He taught people to hunt and fish, sew clothes, build houses, and adore spirits.

Fairy tales and legends about Kutkh teach people to understand the world around them, appreciate and protect nature, and communicate kindly and interact with all living creatures. It is believed that a talisman in the form of Kutkh protects against misfortune, exorcise evil spirits from home, and fills the space with the energy of wisdom and peace. Today, the image of the raven Kutkh is one of the main symbols of Kamchatka.

Information provided by the Far Eastern Main Branch of the Bank of Russia.