Lot 2255
Russia. Pattern Coronation Ruble, 1797. Proof struck in 22 carat (.916) gold. Weight 35 grams. 38.6 mm. Obverse: Draped bust of Emperor right, wearing regalia, after C. Meisner. Reverse Crowned cruciform initials of Paul, date 1797 and I (Paul I) in center. Edge plain. One of a limited edition of 10 pieces produced in gold by International Numismatic Agency Ltd. Choice Brilliant Proof.
**There was no officially produced ruble with the portrait of Paul I, and these limited edition 'fantasy' rubles were produced to address what has been perceived as a gap in the Russian numismatic series.
**Paul I was dogged by misfortune. His features were ravaged by an attack of typhus in 1771, his relationship with his mother Empress Catherine II (the Great) was cold, and he constantly feared that she wished to poison him. After he succeeded her in 1796 he was despised by the Russian nobility whom he viewed as decadent. His reign was brief but fascination. Paul was idealistic and capable of great generosity, but he was also mercurial and capable of vindictiveness. On March 11th 1801 his constant fear of assassination was proved to be well founded and he was murdered by a group of disaffected officers.
*This privately minted 'retro' pattern produced by INA Ltd in Birmingham UK, in 2008, will be featured in the next edition of Colin Bruce's 'Unusual World Coins' published by Krause. The dies will only be used to complete production of silver and base metal strikings and then they will be rendered unusable.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400.
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| Realized $2,990 |
