Faced with rising debt and inflation during his reign of terror, Stalin ordered a nationwide confiscation of silver coins being held by the Russian people. Collections were slow and Stalin grew impatient, ordering several government officials in charge of the silver seizures to be shot, as well as several common cashiers. The tactics worked and nearly all the Russian silver small change was confiscated. The set includes a silver 10, 15 and 20 Kopek featuring the Hammer and Sickle. These coins are highly sought-after by collectors.