Reverse The upper part of the reverse features the crown of the Russian Empire. Below it, the denomination (with six-pointed stars on the left and right) and the monetary unit are indicated on two lines: 10 KOPĒEKЪ. 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 '1878'. Below the year is the abbreviation 'S.P.B.' (Saint Petersburg Mint). Along the left edge of the coin is a laurel branch, and along the right edge is an oak branch. At the base, the branches are tied with a ribbon forming a neat bow. The entire edge of the coin is surrounded by 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 connected by the ribbon of the Order of St. Andrew. On the eagle's chest 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 First-Called. The coats of arms on the wings (four on each wing) are: Kazan, Polish, Taurida, Astrakhan, Siberian, Georgian, Kiev and Novgorod, Vladimir. In its right talon, the eagle holds a scepter, below which is the letter 'N'. In its left talon, it holds an orb, below which is the letter 'F'. Together, these letters form the initials of mintmaster Nikolai Follendorf. The rim is decorated with denticles pointing towards the center.