Lot 2831
Russia. Platinum Pattern 'Family' Rouble 1917. Nicholas II, 1894-1917. Proof struck in platinum. Edge plain. Diam. 38.6 mm. Weight 35 grams. Obverse: Portrait of Nicholas II facing left. Reverse: Cameo portraits of the imperial family (center) Empress Alexandra (clockwise from top) son Alexei (born 1904) daughter Tatiana (born 1897) daughter Marie (born 1897) daughter Anastasia (born 1901) and daughter Olga (born 1895) and the date 1917 below. One of only 2 pieces recently produced struck in platinum. Choice Brilliant Proof.
This retrospective pattern was inspired by the 1836 'Family' Rouble of Alexander I (which featured cameo portraits of the royal family) and serves as a memento of the final year of the Romanov dynasty.
* The reign of Nicholas II was blighted by a relentless flow of major domestic and international problems, virtually all of which were beyond the control of a Czar who was in many ways well-meaning and honourable, but unsuited to the demands of the time. Although Alexandra and Nicholas had four beautiful, spirited, and accomplished daughters, the constant ill-health of their son and presumed heir Alexei drained their energies. Alexei was afflicted by haemophilia, an hereditary disease, which prevents blood clotting and at the time was presumed incurable. The condition was kept quiet, although many in the population knew that there were serious problems. At first Alexandra turned to Russian doctors to treat Alexei, but as their treatments generally failed she began to approach mystics and holy men. One of these, Grigori Rasputin, appeared to have had a degree of success.
Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, Russia was eventually dragged into a conflict for which she was vastly unprepared. Gradually, a war of attrition on the huge eastern front saw Russia facing the combined armies of the German and Austro-Hungarian empires. Casualties were awful. The Czar decided to help spearhead the offensive and left government in the hands of his wife and Rasputin. Soon the capital became the domain of rioters and counter-insurgents. By 1917 this sprawling nation was virtually ungovernable. Rasputin was assassinated, and Czar Nicholas abdicated in March 1917. The family was imprisoned, and after the Bolsheviks came to power in October 1917 they were held under ever stricter control. In 1918 all seven family members were put to death. This was the end of the Romanov dynasty and the Russian Empire.
In 1981 the family were recognised as martyred saints by the Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400.
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