Lot 2824
Russia. Platinum Pattern 'Memorial' Rouble 1855. Nicholas I, 1825-1855. Proof struck in platinum. Edge plain. Diameter 38.6mm. Weight 35 grams. Obverse: Older portrait of Nicholas facing right, after Utkin. Dates of reign 1825-1855. Reverse: Detailed rendition of crowned imperial two-headed eagle with orb and sceptre, numeral 1 (Rouble) above. One of only 2 pieces recently produced struck in platinum. Choice Brilliant Proof.
* Nicholas I died in March 1855. The cause of his death is unclear and there are those who maintain that he poisoned himself after hearing of Russia's defeat at Eupatoria during the Crimean War. Nicholas died before the end of the Siege of Sevastopol. He was buried in the Cathedral of the St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg.
Historical writers have not been kind to Nicholas I and it is often said that Russia's drift to revolution began during his reign.
Although Nicholas lacked his brother Alexander's intellectual and spiritual breadth there are those who maintain that Nicholas did not actually enjoy the role of autocrat, and only acted as he did because he believed he had no choice. It is sometimes said that he hated serfdom at heart, but he was unwilling to upset the status quo. Nevertheless, there have been many damning verdicts on Nicholas' tenure. At the end of his life, one of Nicholas's most devoted civil servants A.V. Nikitenko gave his opinion 'The main failing of the reign of Nicholas I was that it was ALL a mistake.'.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400.
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