The Stack’s Bowers Galleries October Collectors Choice Online Auction featuring Ancient and World coins is just a few days away, so be sure to place your bids. Today’s final preview is a lovely Russian 3 Rubles dated 1869. This appealing gold issue bears the impressive Imperial Russian Coat of Arms: the Imperial double headed eagle, with each eagle’s head individually crowned with a third crown and banner floating above. The left claw holds a scepter, representing monarchial power, and the globus cruciger in the right claw demonstrates the religious authority of the emperor. The Order of Saint Andrew, the highest honorary order in Imperial Russia, appears around the arms of Moscow showing Saint George mounted and defeating the dragon. A total of eight provinces constitute the Russian Empire, and their Coats of Arms are displayed on the eagle’s wings: Astrakhan, Siberia, Georgia, Finland, Kiev-Vladimir-Novgorod, Taurica, Poland and Kazan. The mint master’s initials (H.I.) appear at either side of the eagle’s tail. The reverse design provides the necessary diagnostic information for the coin. The outer legend attests to the purity of the gold used. The inner legend states: "3 Ruble / 1869 / CNB" or the denomination, date and mint (St. Petersburg). NGC has certified this piece Mint State 63, though with the excellent strike detail and tremendous satiny luster it has the look of a higher grade specimen.
We are accepting consignments of World and Ancient coins and World paper money for our January 2019 New York International Auction as well as the May 2019 Collector’s Choice Online Auction. We are also seeking consignments of Chinese and other Asian coins and currency for our March 2019 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. Time is running short, so if you are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our Consignment Directors.
