On September 21, 1781, the city was granted new arms, showing a horn of plenty (cornucopia) and a staff of Mercury (caduceus), symbols for agriculture and trade.

The new arms showed a horse-head, symbol for the famous stud farms in the city, with in the chief two coins and a star (see above).

The new arms were a typical example of Soviet heraldry, showing a wheel for industry, an atom for center of nuclear research and a wheat-ear for agriculture, as well as the name of the city.

The caduceus symbolises commerce, while the cornucopia, also called the "horn of plenty", emphasises an abundance of food.

The sprocket is surmounted by an open book with an atomic symbol, symbolising education and science.