Coat of arms of Russia

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

Arms emblazoned on the 2018 25 ruble coin

The coat of arms of Russia features a two-headed eagle with raised wings on a red shield. The eagle wears three crowns and holds a sceptre and an orb, which are symbols of power. On the eagle’s chest is a smaller shield showing a rider on a horse fighting a dragon.

The current design was created by artist Yevgeny Ukhnalyov and was officially adopted on November 30, 1993, with further laws passed in 2000 by President Vladimir Putin. Today, the coat of arms appears on important government buildings, the cover of the national passport, and many official items, including coins of the Russian ruble since 2016. It is also featured 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 throughout history. It began in the 15th century with the double-headed eagle, adopted by Grand Dukes of Muscovy. This symbol showed their claim to be successors of the Byzantine Empire.

Later, the image of St George slaying the dragon became another important symbol. These designs evolved through different periods, including the Russian Empire, the Soviet era, and the modern Russian Federation. Each version reflected the values and beliefs of the time.