Reverse The denomination (with asterisks to the left and right) and monetary unit are indicated on two lines: ⋆ 3 ⋆ RUBLYA. Below is a divider element consisting of two elongated, oppositely directed figures with a dot between them. Under the divider is the year of minting '1883'. Below that is the mint mark 'S.P.B.'. The central part is separated from the rest of the design by a circle of dots. Outside the circle is the circular inscription: CHISTAGO ZOLOTA 81 DOLYA, separated at the top by a floral rosette. The rim is decorated with denticles pointing towards the center.
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 above and between them, all connected by the ribbon of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. On the eagle's breast is the Moscow coat of arms, depicting St. George the Victorious on horseback slaying a dragon with a spear, within a shield. The shield is surrounded by 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 eagle's right talon is a scepter, and in the left an orb. Under the right talon is the letter 'D', under the left is the letter 'S'. These are the initials of mintmaster Dmitry Sabaneev. The rim is decorated with denticles.