Reverse The denomination (with five-pointed stars to the left and right) and monetary unit are indicated on two lines: ⋆ 5 ⋆КОПѢЕКЪ Below is a decorative divider in the form of two curved lines with a small circle between them. Under the lines is the mint mark 'E.M.'. The central part is separated from the rest of the design by a circle of dots. At the top, around the circumference, is the incuse text: 1870 ГОДА On the left side of the coin, along the edge, is a laurel branch, and on the right, an oak branch. At the base, the branches are tied together with a ribbon forming a bow.
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 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 to the left). Around 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 semi-circular cartouches, connected by a diamond-shaped ornament. The top cartouche bears the raised inscription: МѢДНАЯ РОССIИСКАЯ МОНЕТА (COPPER RUSSIAN COIN). The bottom cartouche, over a ribbon, bears the incuse inscription: ПЯТЬ КОПѢЕКЪ (FIVE KOPEKS).