Lot 813
Russia. Nicholas I. Platinum 12 Rubles, 1835-SPB. Bitkin-47; Sev-618; Fr-158; Cr-179. Crowned double-headed eagle holding sceptre and orb, with a shield having St George & the Dragon motif surrounded by a St Andrew Collar on its breast; provincial coats-of-arms set on the wings. Reverse: Value and date within a crenelated circle, legend around. Very sharply struck with semi-frosted devices amid brilliant mirrored proof fields -- the detail remarkable considering the hardness of the metal. With a mintage of around 127 pieces, the 1835 is rated R3, with 4 to 9 examples estimated to exist. It can easily be assumed that few, if any, are this choice, especially a proof of near gem quality. NGC graded Proof 65.
All platinum issues appeared during the reign of Nicholas I (1825-55), including some experimental coronation medals and jetons of 1826 and a unique half rouble of the same date using regular dies. The regulation coinage began in 1828 with 3-rouble coins, the 6 roubles coming in 1829 and the 12 roubles added one year latter in 1830. Minting in this metal continued until 1845, when an imperial ukase ordered complete cessation of platinum coinage and a total recall of existing coinage in circulation within a 6-month period due in part to their unpopularity with the public. The minting of 12-roubles coins began in 1830 and these were struck every year until 1845. The mintages ranged from a high of 1,463 pieces in 1831 to only one coin in 1840. Most mintages were fewer than 127, with only three years above that amount: 1831, 1832 and 1833. Proofs exist of several dates, but there seems to be no published record of the numbers struck, although they must be very tiny indeed.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
Ex Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection (5/30 - 6/1/05), lot 1978.
|
| |
| Realized $132,250 |
