Reverse The denomination (with asterisks on the left and right) and monetary unit are indicated on two lines: ⋆3⋆КОПѢЙКИ Below is a decorative divider in the form of two curved lines with a small circle between them. Under the divider is the mint mark 'S.P.B.'. The central part is separated from the rest of the design by a circle of dots. In the upper part, in a semicircle, is the incuse text: 1903 ГОДА Below, along the edge, is a wreath of laurel and oak branches. At the base, the branches are tied with a ribbon, the knot of which forms a bow.
Obverse The center of the obverse features the lesser coat of arms of the Russian Empire – a double-headed eagle. Both eagle heads bear crowns, and a third, larger crown is positioned between them. All three crowns are connected by a ribbon. On the eagle's breast is the coat of arms of Moscow – a shield depicting St. George the Victorious on horseback, slaying a serpent with a long spear (the serpent's head is on the left). Surrounding the shield is the chain of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. The coats of arms on the wings (four on each wing): Kazan, Polish, Taurida, Astrakhan, Siberian, Georgian, Kiev and Novgorod, Vladimir. In its right talon, the eagle holds a scepter, and in its left – an orb. Along the edge at the top and bottom are two semicircular cartouches, connected by a diamond-shaped ornament. The upper cartouche bears the raised inscription: МѢДНАЯ РОССIИСКАЯ МОНЕТА On the lower cartouche, over a ribbon, is an incuse line: ТРИ КОПѢИКИ