Lot 2820
Russia. Platinum Pattern 'Accession Rouble' 1825. Nicholas I, 1825-1855. Proof struck in platinum. Edge plain. Diam. 38.6mm. Weight 35 grams. Obverse: Young portrait of Nicholas I after Fyodor Petrovich Tolstoi (1783-1873) facing right. Reverse features crowned imperial double headed eagle, wings down, bearing wreath and arms. MOHETA P. above 1825 below. One of only 2 pieces recently produced struck in platinum. Choice Brilliant Proof.
*Nicholas I was the third son of Czar Paul I and Maria, born in June 1796 while his grandmother, Catherine II (The Great) was still ruler. Catherine whisked the young Nicholas into her private quarters and began to raise him herself, but five months later, after Catherine's death, Nicholas was returned to his somewhat disinterested parents. Alongside his younger brother he grew up in the care of an old general named Lamsdorff.
Because he was not considered likely to succeed to the throne, he received an education in military engineering. In the 1820s he held the post of inspector general of the army engineers. Prior to that he was able to travel extensively and on a visit to London in 1816 an aristocratic English lady declared him to be 'the most handsome man in Europe.' He fell in love with the delicate Princess Charlotte of Prussia, daughter of Friedrich Wilhelm III, and married her in July 1817. They had seven children. It was by now assumed that he would become heir to the throne. His older brother, Czar Alexander I and his wife had no children, and his other brother Constantine was clearly unsuited or unwilling to succeed to the throne.
After the death of Alexander I in 1825 and the quelling of the Decembrist uprising perpetrated in the name of his brother Constantine, Nicholas I began a 30-year reign as unchallenged ruler of Russia.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400.
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