Imperial Russia provides the next Stack’s Bowers Galleries preview item
for the January New York International auction. This very rare 50 Kopek piece
is dated 1898 and is only found in Proof condition. The mintage is unknown,
though relevant Russian reference works estimate the surviving population at
four to nine examples. This enhances the rarity, making this a coin that is
sure to excite even the most advanced collector of Russian numismatics.
The obverse design for this piece features the left facing bust of Emperor
Nicholas II, as engraved by A.F. Vasutinsky at the St. Petersburg Mint. The
legend reads: “By the Grace of God Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of all the
Russias.” The plural “Russias” is significant as it dates back to Peter I (the
Great) and beyond as a term enumerating the various regions of Russia, Ukraine
and Belarus that were brought into the empire. The reverse design shows the
impressive Imperial 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. 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 denomination is
enumerated below the eagle: “50 Kopeks 1898.” This example features beautiful
toning displaying lovely blue, purple and russet hues over flashy Proof
surfaces that offer nice contrast with the frosted cameo devices.
We are currently taking consignments of world and ancient coins as well as
world paper money for our January 2018 New York International Auction. We are
also accepting consignments of Chinese and other Asian coins and currency for
our April 2018 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.
