Reverse The upper part of the reverse features the crown of the Russian Empire. Below, on two lines, are the denomination (with six-pointed stars on the left and right) and the monetary unit: 15 KOPĒEKЪ. Below that 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 '1887'. 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. The branches are tied together at the base with a ribbon forming a neat bow. The entire edge of the coin is stamped 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 heads of the eagle wear crowns, and a third, larger crown is positioned between them. All three crowns are connected by a ribbon. On the eagle's chest 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) are: Kazan, Polish, Taurida, Astrakhan, Siberian, Georgian, Kiev and Novgorod, Vladimir. In the right talon is a scepter, and below it the letter 'A'. In the left talon is an orb, and below it the letter 'G'. Together, the letters form the initials of mintmaster Apollon Grasgof. The rim is decorated with denticles pointing towards the center.