relief image of the State Emblem of the Russian Federation, above it along the edge – the inscription in a semicircle "RUSSIAN FEDERATION", framed on both sides with double diamonds, under the coat of arms: on the left – the designations of precious metal and samples, on the right – the content of chemically pure metal and the trademark of the mint, at the bottom in the center in three lines – the inscription "BANK of RUSSIA", coin denomination "50 RUBLES", year of issue "2023"
The common squirrel, or veksha (Latin Sciurus vulgaris) is a rodent of the squirrel family.
There are up to 30 species of the squirrel family in the world, distributed throughout the globe, and only the common squirrel lives in our open spaces. This is a nimble animal with a slender proportional body. The tail is long and fluffy – it can reach 19 centimeters and make up 2/3 of the entire length of the body. This rodent grows up to 30 centimeters in length, gaining weight no more than 400 grams.
The squirrel has a round head with dark-colored eyes that look like beads, as well as long ears topped with tassels sticking up.
Squirrels live in trees. They are looking for trunks with hollows, where they equip a dwelling for themselves – they fill the hollow with lichen, dry grass and leaves. The nest can be located at a height of up to 15 meters, among dense branches. The diameter of the nest reaches 30 centimeters and has the shape of a ball.
Before the onset of winter, squirrels acquire thick fur. In summer, the fur of the animal is short, rare and hard. Squirrels, like many other animals with fur, shed 2 times a year, while the tail changes its coat only 1 time a year. Molting in spring begins with the head, and autumn molting begins with the tail.
The common squirrel does not mark its possessions, so several individuals can live on the same territory. The animal spends most of its time in trees, with the greatest activity in the morning and evening hours. At this time of day, the squirrel is busy looking for food. In case of danger, the animal hides in the canopy of trees. The squirrel easily jumps from branch to branch, overcoming up to 4 meters in a straight line and up to 15 meters in a descending arc. Her tail serves as a rudder. In winter, it moves more through trees, and during the mating season, as well as when there is no snow, it can move on the ground, with long jumps.
When frosts or heavy snowfalls with blizzards are fierce, the squirrel usually stays in its shelter, and leaves it only in case of severe hunger.
In August-September, there is a large-scale settlement of young animals, while individuals leave their native nests and move away from them at a distance of up to 70-300 kilometers. In the wild, only 10 percent of individuals survive to the age of 4 years. When kept in captivity, these rodents are able to live at least 10 years
Artists: E.V. Kramskaya (obverse), F.S. Andronov (reverse).
Sculptors: A.A. Dolgopolova (obverse), F.S. Andronov (reverse).
Minting: St. Petersburg Mint (SPMD).
The design of the edge: 134 corrugations.