Reverse The upper part of the reverse features the crown of the Russian Empire. Below it, on two lines, are the denomination (with six-pointed stars to the left and right) and the monetary unit: 20 КОПѢЕКЪ. Below this is a divider element consisting of two oppositely directed arrows with five dots between them, forming a cross. Under the divider is the year of mintage '1877'. Below the year is the abbreviation 'С.П.Б.' (Saint Petersburg Mint). On the left side of the coin, along the edge, is a laurel branch, and on the right, an oak branch. The branches are tied at the base with a ribbon forming a neat bow. The entire edge of the coin is rimmed with raised denticles.
Obverse The center of the obverse is occupied by 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 above and between them. All are connected by the ribbon of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called. On the eagle's breast is the Moscow coat of arms – a shield depicting St. George the Victorious slaying a dragon (head to the left). Surrounding the shield is the chain of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called. The coats of arms on the wings (four on each wing) are: Kazan, Polish, Tauride, Astrakhan, Siberian, Georgian, Kiev and Novgorod, Vladimir. In the right talon is a scepter, and below it the letter 'Н'. In the left talon is an orb, and below it the letter 'Ф'. Together, the letters form the initials of mintmaster Nikolai Follendorf. The rim is decorated with denticles pointing towards the center.