1914-BC (flat striking, narrow rim — scarcer variety) 

This is a fine example of the first obverse die variety for the 1914 poltina (flat striking with narrow rim).

I believe it would grade AU-58. There is some light patina on the reverse (right-hand side) which didn't show up very well on these photos. The great eye appeal of this coin would put it into the MS-62/63 category were it not for the numerous tiny marks in the fields which become visible only under magnification.

Thanks to R.W. Julian's help over at the CoinPeople forum, I was able to recognize this variety
and won it in an eBay auction from a Canadian seller. After studying these pictures, I discovered that there is an easier way to recognize the difference IF one has access to both varieties: the hair at the crown on the obverse is markedly different!

The main differences to the other variety (“embossed striking with wider rim”) are indicated in the “detail” images.

Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 obv
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Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 obv

Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 rev
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Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 rev

Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 obv detail1
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Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 obv detail1

Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 obv detail2
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Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 obv detail2

Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 edge
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Russia 50 Kopeek 1914-BC Type1 edge

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