This coin is a current issue Transnistrian Ruble (Series AA), dated 2014. The 3 Ruble coin represents the 2nd denomination, of the 2014 Transnistrian Ruble series. The coins were designed and produced by the Russian state-owned "Goznak" (Sate Insignia) company. All text is printed in Moldovan, using Cyrillic script.
Transnistrian Ruble coins first entered circulation in 2014 and are the legal currency of the Transnistrian Republic. The coin is a plain-edged design, weighs 1 g, and is most noticeably made of a polymer composite. This make Transnistrian Rubles a virtual anomaly in terms of national currencies.
Even more unusual, is that every denomination of the (2014 Ruble) coin series utilizes a distinct shape. This coin uses an usual beveled square shape. It's dimensions are 31mm (1.22 in) wide and 1.2 mm (0.047 in) thick. The coin's surface is covered in pattern ridges, which can be seen on the photos provided.
The Land of Nowhere
Transnistria, formally known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Is amongst the most unusual
nations in the world. As it's a nation which technically does not exist. Transnistria is a breakaway republic located on a narrow strip of land, between the Dniester River and the Ukrainian border. Strangely Transnistria is also one of the few breakaway nations, that possesses it's own currency.
Currently (2020) Transnistria is only recognized by 3 other non-internationally recognized states: Abkhazia, Artsakh, and South Ossetia. All of which are within a state of “frozen conflict” and within the former Soviet Union. In general, explaining this coin's symbolism is a feat in itself. Almost as complex and convoluted, as the nation it originates from. (Search: “The Land of Nowhere: 1 Rublei (Transnistria, 2007)”, for additional context.)
Observe
The coin's observe features a portrait of Flemish comabt engineer François-Paul Sainte de Wollant.
Printed below De Wollant is the text Приднестровский республиканский банк. Which translates/transliterates to Transnistrian Republican Bank (TRB). To the right is 3 РУБЛЬ in vertical text, specifying the coin's 3 Ruble value. Above is the text “СЕРИЯ AA”, specifying the coin being from Series AA. Although difficult to read, the background features vertical micro-text. It reads Transnistrian Republican Bank, in sequence.
Additional negative micro-text is located within note's decorative background pattern. This pattern will change color under UV (ultraviolet) light. Doing so will expose multiple TRB logos and additional UV artifacts. Alternatively the coin utilizes additional IR (Infrared) artifacts within it's art. Making this apparently mundane coin, relatively secure from common counterfeiters.
Reverse
The reverse is relatively sparse, featuring a checkered diamond pattern. With the Transnistrian Republican Bank logo, denomination “TPИ РУБЛЬ”, and issue date (2014) repeated throughout the pattern. When viewed in the IR spectrum the diamond pattern will reverse polarity. With white elements appearing grayish-black and light green becoming white.
Ultraviolet Gallery
Transnistrian Ruble Coin Galley
Additional Notes
The 3 Ruble coin is the only of the series, to not replace an existing denomination. As no "3 Ruble" banknotes existed beforehand.
De Wollant engineered Odesa and its famous port