Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 31

Pre-Long Beach Coin Auction

Alexander II (1855-1881)

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2042		Russia. Alexander II (1818-1881). Alexander II abolished serfdom and made important organizational changes within Russia. Having decided to refrain from overseas expansion and to strengthen Russians borders, he sold Alaska and the Aleutian Island to the United States in 1867. In a war fought 1877-78, he defeated the Ottoman Empire, resulting in the liberation of Bulgaria and the annulment of the conditions of the Treaty of Paris of 1856, imposed after the Crimean War. Alexander II was assassinated by a bomb-throwing, revolutionary student. Document Signed as Emperor of All Russia, January 2, 1858, Saint Petersburg, 2 pages (front and back of one sheet), 10¾ x 8 in. To Alexsandr Vasilyevich, thanking him for 50 years of service to the Throne and the Motherland and sending "a finger ring decorated with diamonds with My portrait on it." (ring not present). One horizontal fold, else very fine. With translation. Estimated Value $300 - 400. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,300
Lot 2043		Russia. Ruble, 1856-SPB FB. Bitkin-46; Sev-3644; Dav-283. Alexander II. Lustrous. Prooflike About Uncirculated. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $805
Lot 2044		Russia. Ruble, 1859. Bitkin-562; Sev-3681; Dav-290. Alexander II. Nicholas I Monument commemorative. Prooflike Uncirculated. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,610
Lot 2045		Russia. 5 Kopeks, 1856-EM. B-213; Bitkin-296. Alexander II. MS-65 Red & Brown. Estimated Value $200 - 250. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,150
Lot 2046		Russia. 5 Kopeks, 1866-EM. B-227; Bitkin-310. Alexander II. PCGS graded MS-65 Brown. Estimated Value $150 - 200. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $546
Lot 2047		Russia. Pattern 3 Kopeks, 1840-SPB. B-206; Bitkin-869; Uzd-3308. Nicholas I. From the Pattern series struck in St. Petersburg for Nicholas I's monogram coinage. Bright brown surfaces, with traces of mint red in the fields. Rare. PCGS graded Proof 64 Brown. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 2048		Russia. Pattern 3 Kopeks, 1840-SPB. B-206; Bitkin-869; Uzd-3308. Nicholas I. From the Pattern series struck in St. Petersburg for Nicholas I's monogram coinage. Bright brown surfaces, with traces of mint red in the fields. Rare. PCGS graded Proof 64 Brown. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,840
Lot 2049		Russia. Pattern 3 Kopeks, 1840-SPB. B-206; Bitkin-869; Uzd-3308. Nicholas I. From the Pattern series struck in St. Petersburg for Nicholas I's monogram coinage. Bright brown surfaces, with traces of mint red in the fields. Rare. PCGS graded Proof 64 Brown. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 2050		Russia. 2 Kopeks, 1857-EM. B-127; Bitkin-330. Alexander II. PCGS graded MS-65 Red & Brown. Estimated Value $100 - 150. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $661
Lot 2051		Russia. Pattern 2 Kopeks, 1863-EM (Brussels). B-142; Bitkin-595. Copper. 28.5 mm. Alexander II. Spread eagle. Reverse: Value and date within wreath. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red. Estimated Value $400 - 500. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $920
Lot 2052		Russia. 2 Kopeks, 1866-EM. B-147; Bitkin-341. Alexander II. PCGS graded Proof 64 Red & Brown. Estimated Value $300 - 400. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,438
Lot 2053		Russia. Alexander III (1845-1894). An autocratic ruler who fervently supported Russian nationalism. He organized the Russification of all minorities in the empire and originated the discrimination against and persecution of Jews. Document Signed as Czar of Russia, 1893, Saint Petersburg, 2½ pages, 14 x 8¾ in. In Russian, an Imperial Decree to the Chapter of Russian Imperial and Royal Orders, bestowing the title of Cavalier upon some 20 officers. Among the recipients are members of the Finnish and East Siberian rifle battalions. Light toning, else fine. The large signature is written in purple ink. With translation. Estimated Value $250 - 350. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,035
Lot 2054		Russia. Rasputin, Grigory (1872-1916). Russian religious and political figure who had a powerful influence on the last royal family of Russia. A Siberian peasant who could barely write, Rasputin gained the devotion of the Czarina and access to the highest circles of power after he saved the life of Crown Prince Alexei, who suffered from a blood disease. Notorious for his debauchery and ignorance, Rasputin interfered in church and secular politics and was hated by almost everyone. He was assassinated by a group of Russian noblemen. Autograph Letter Signed "Rasputin" in Russian, no date (St. Petersburg?), 1 page, 9 x 5½ in. Rasputin asks the recipient to assist in finding shelter for an orphan: "Dear, Sorry for bothering you, please find a place for an orphan to stay, and give her shelter Rasputin."The name "T. Zenif" is written in another hand at the top, and there is a handstamp on the integral leaf in the shape of an inverted triangle with the words, "Highest Political Office Building." This letter shows the humanitarian side of the man who is often portrayed as an evil, unbalanced monk. An interesting item from one of the most fascinating characters in Russian history. Rasputin's autograph is rare in any form. Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $7,475
Lot 2055		Russia. 24 Dolya (¼ Zolotnik), Mining Ingot, ND (c.1880-1900). Bitkin-259; Sev-4209. Alexander III. Toned. Very Rare. PCGS graded AU-58. Estimated Value $300 - 400. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2056		Russia. Coronation Gold Medal, 1883. Alexander III. Smirnov-II, 873/b. 109.97 grams. 51 mm. By A. Grilches. Conjoined busts of Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna right. Reverse: Imperial Eagle. Prooflike surfaces. Rare. Brilliant Uncirculated. Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,000. The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $17,825
Lot 2057		Russia. Ruble, 1893 AG. Bit-76; Sev-4017. Alexander III. Well struck and brilliant with very clean surfaces and handsome light toning in russet with blue highlights. Now scarce in this Very Choice Uncirculated condition. NGC graded MS-64. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 2058		Russia. 2 Kopeks, 1893 SR'. Bit-173; Y-10.2. Alexander III. A Gem quality specimen, well struck with lovely original mint red coloration. NGC graded MS-65 Red. Estimated Value $60 - 90. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $216