Lot 2818
Russia. Platinum Pattern Rouble, 1825. Constantine (1825) Proof struck in platinum. Edge plain. Diam. 38.6mm. Weight 35 grams. Obverse: bare headed portrait of Constantine facing right, based on contemporary portraits. Reverse: Crowned imperial double headed eagle, wings down, bearing wreath and arms. MOHETA P. above, 1825 below.
This is one of 2 pieces recently produced struck in platinum in high relief with a plain raised obverse border. Choice Brilliant Proof.
* Constantine was a Russian grand duke, second son of Czar Paul I and brother of Alexander I and Nicholas I. On the sudden and mysterious death of Alexander I in the distant city of Taganrog in 1825, Constantine was next in line for succession to the throne. However, in 1822, he had secretly renounced his claim in favor of Nicholas, in return for Alexander's permission to divorce his first wife and marry a Polish countess. The arrangement was not made public and some confusion resulted over the succession. A group known as the 'Decembrists' took advantage of the situation and attempted to seize power under the slogan 'Constantine and Constitution.' Nicholas quelled the uprising and put the ringleaders to death. During the entire episode Constantine remained in Poland, where he had been commander in chief and virtual governor since 1815. The severity of his administration there led to the Polish uprising of 1830. Constantine died in 1831 before the rebellion was fully suppressed.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400.
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