Lot 2802
Russia. Pattern Platinum 'Memorial' Rouble 1796. Catherine II (The Great), 1762-1796. Proof struck in platinum. Weight 35 grams. 38.6mm diam. Edge plain. Obverse: Old coroneted portrait of Catherine facing right. Reverse: Crowned double-headed imperial eagle holding orb and sceptre, date 1796 above. One of a limited edition of 2 platinum pieces recently produced by the International Numismatic Agency Ltd. Choice Brilliant Proof.
*Catherine's patronage furthered the evolution of the arts in Russia more than any Russian ruler before or after her. The Hermitage Museum which now occupies the whole of the Winter Palace, began as Catherine's personal collection.
Some still see Catherine as a usurper whose only claim to legitimacy was during the minority of her son Paul (later Czar Paul I) and a group of nobles connected with Paul contemplated the possibility of a coup to depose Catherine, but this never happened, and she reigned until her death in 1796.
Catherine was always shrewdly mindful of her legacy and acted as international mediator in the War of the Bavarian Succession (1778-1779) between Prussia and Austria. In 1780 she set up the League of Armed Neutrality designed to defend neutral shipping from the British Royal Navy during the American Revolution.
During her reign Russia imported and studied the classical and European influences which inspired the Russian Enlightenment.
Throughout her tenure Catherine famously took many lovers, who were often pensioned off when they no longer interested her.
Catherine suffered a stroke in November 1796 and died before regaining consciousness. She is buried at the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St Petersburg.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400.
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| Realized $2,300 |
