The birth of Torgsin -- A golden idea -- The Torgsin empire -- The red directors of Torgsin: the political commissar -- Why did Stalin need Torgsin? -- Gold -- The red directors of Torgsin: the spy -- Silver -- Diamonds and platinum -- Send dollars to Torgsin! -- What's for sale? -- The buyers...

"Money did not become obsolete under Communism. The ruble remained a key feature of Soviet life. After World War II, money became an essential tool of the Soviet government. A strong ruble represented the nation's promise of future prosperity, but its failure to deliver improved purchasing power...