Finland 1893-L 50 pennia
This type is listed for 1872-76, 1889-93, 1907-17 and was struck for Finland by the czarist administration. Russian defeats in World War One enabled the Finns, who had long chafed under Russian rule, to declare independence. This date is common in all grades, suggesting that it was hoarded. This specimen was lot 23514 in Heritage sale 3030 (New York, January 2014), where it sold for $2,115. The catalog description[1] noted, "Russian Duchy Proof 50 Pennia 1893, Proof 66 Cameo NGC, a dazzling example with deeply mirrored surfaces and an icy white cameo on the raised details. Very rare in Proof and this coin displays exceptional eye appeal. From The Formosa Collection."
Recorded mintage: 400,000 (no proofs are noted in the SCWC).
Specification: 2.549 g, 0.750 fine silver, .061 troy oz ASW, 18.6 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 2.2.
- Bitkin, Vladimir, Composite Catalogue of Russian Coins, Part II (1740-1917), Kiev: Moneta, 2003.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3030, featuring the RLM Collection, the Isaac Rudman Collection, the Hans Cook Collection and the Collection of Donald E. Bently, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.
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