Beard Tax Token Borodovoy znak; Novodel

Reverse

Nose, mustache, lips and beard. Wreath around.

Script: Cyrillic

Lettering:
ДЕНГИ
ВЗѦТЫ

Translation: The money taken

Comment

Borodovoy sign, brodova kopek - metal token that serves as a receipt for payment of special duties on the wearing of beards.

Among his many efforts to westernize Russian society, in 1698 Peter I placed a tax on beards, then seen as a particularly eastern tradition. Those who paid the tax were issued tokens to prove they were allowed to wear facial hair. (source: Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 498, 18 Aug 2021, Lot 537)