1-ruble coin sold for $50 on eBay
A journalist from Myfin.by noticed that a commemorative copper-nickel coin "Kalinkavichy attire" is being sold on eBay for $50 – such coins were introduced into circulation three years ago, in 2023.
Including delivery, the coin will cost more than $55. By the way, in Belarus, it is sold even more expensively: on the "Belnumizmatika" website, it was listed for 161.9 BYN, which is $56 without delivery.
On the websites of Belarusian banks that sell coins of this series, this specific one is no longer available — the National Bank's website only has a silver one (even more expensive) and a copper-nickel one without gilding (much cheaper).
And here's why: according to "Belnumizmatika", this gilded coin is 'tuned up' (modified/enhanced):
"This exclusive lot is an artistic modification of the original coin of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus, issued in a strictly limited series of 300 copies as part of the BelCoinArt project. The application of a continuous high-tech gold-like coating transformed the laconic nickel minting into a valuable art object with deep jewelry volume. The noble metallic luster effectively highlighted the authentic geometric patterns and famous Polesian rhombic ornaments, which have served as talismans for Belarusian families for centuries. The uniqueness and authenticity of each copy are confirmed by a branded numbered certificate (Certificate of authenticity). For absolute protection against counterfeiting, a special BelCoinArt hologram is applied to the certificate, which is destroyed upon any attempt to peel it off."