Lot 1781
Russia. 2 Rubles, 1722. Bitkin-H1749; Sev-533; Dav & Son-561. Peter I. Novodel with reeded edge slanting slightly to the right, as edge 6. This is the Goodman Collection coin wherein its type 6 edge was mentioned and it is likely the only 2 Rubles of 1722 known with this edge. Weight 53.67 grams, average diameter 50.2 mm. Quite sharply struck with brilliant prooflike surfaces. As the only multiple ruble denomination in silver, this is one of the most well known and desirable of Peter's coins, though little seems to be known about its origins. Diakov mentions that two original specimens are known, one in the Kunstkamera Museum in Saint Petersburg at 49.9 grams and another in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., this one weighing in at 54.44 grams. He goes on to say that "both were minted with incomplete dies and were very poorly struck." Not so this lovely novodel which completely expresses the die engraver's concept. The number of known novodels is not much higher than the two known originals and we feel confident in saying that the present specimen may well be the finest known example in existence, and as such extremely rare. NGC graded MS-65 with certification label.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
The Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection, Ex-Goodman, Lot 75.
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| Realized $39,100 |
