SafekipediaCoat of arms of Russia
Adapted from Wikipedia · Adventurer experience
The coat of arms of Russia is one of the state symbols of the Russian Federation, along with the state flag and the national anthem. It shows a majestic double-headed eagle holding symbols of power and strength. This design has a long history, going back many years before today's Russia was formed.
The current coat of arms was approved in 1993 by the President of Russia, and a special law about its use was signed in 2000. Even though some small changes have been made over time, the basic idea comes from very old designs used by rulers hundreds of years ago.
One of the most interesting parts of the coat of arms is the double-headed eagle. This symbol has roots in ancient history, linking back to places like Byzantine times. The colors and details used today match what was used in the 1400s, showing how important tradition is for Russia's symbols.
Description and usage
The coat of arms of Russia shows a two-headed eagle with its wings up, on a red shield. The eagle has three crowns and holds a sceptre and an orb, which are signs of power. On the eagle’s chest is a smaller shield with a rider on a horse fighting a dragon.
The current design was made by artist Yevgeny Ukhnalyov and was officially chosen on November 30, 1993, with more rules made in 2000 by President Vladimir Putin. Today, the coat of arms is used on important government buildings, the cover of the national passport, and many official things, like coins of the Russian ruble since 2016. It is also on the flag of the president of Russia and the banner of the Russian Armed Forces.
| Element of the coat of arms | Description in the "Regulation…" of 1993 | Description in the 2000 law |
|---|---|---|
| Heraldic Shield | Red Heraldic Shield | A quadrangular red heraldic shield with rounded lower corners and a pointed tip. |
| Double-Headed Eagle | Golden Double-Headed Eagle | A golden double-headed eagle with its wings spread upwards. |
| Crowns Above the Eagle | The three historical crowns of Peter the Great (two small crowns above the heads and one larger crown above them) | The eagle is crowned with two small crowns and one large crown above them, connected by a ribbon. |
| Items in the Eagle's Claws | The eagle holds a scepter and orb. | The eagle holds a scepter in its right claw and an orb in its left. |
| Horseman | Horseman | A silver horseman in a blue cloak on a silver horse. |
| Horseman's Spear | Spear | Silver Spear |
| Dragon | Dragon | A black dragon, thrown backwards and trampled by a horse |
Historical versions
The coat of arms of Russia has changed many times. It started in the 15th century with a double-headed eagle. This was used by leaders of Muscovy and showed they wanted to be like the Byzantine Empire.
Later, an image of St George fighting a dragon became an important symbol. The designs changed over time during the Russian Empire, the Soviet era, and now the Russian Federation. Each version showed what people valued at the time.
Images
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