Russia (1720) ruble Dav-1654
This specimen is lot 1552 in UBS sale 84 (Basel, January 2010). The catalog description[1] noted,
"RUSSLAND. Peter I. 1689-1725. Rubel 1720, Moskau. Geharnischtes, belorbeertes Brustbild nach rechts. Rv. Gekrönter Doppeladler. NGC VF35. Kl. Zainende. Sehr schön-gutes sehr schön" (Russia, Peter I, 1689-1725, ruble of 1720, Moscow mint. Obv: armored, laureate bust facing right. Rev: crown double-headed eagle. Very fine to good very fine).
The coinage of Russia of the eighteenth century is a confusing and fascinating subject. Many ruble types were issued only briefly and can be dated even if they don't bear dates, such as this one from Peter the Great. This type seems fairly common as these things go but still elusive and expensive. The rubles of Peter the Great were about 28 grams but shrank to 20 grams by the end of the reign of Catherine the Great.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen: 27.71 grams.
Catalog reference: Bitkin 329, Uzdenikov 588, KM 157.4, Dav-1654.
- [1]UBS Gold & Numismatics, Auction 84: Gold and Silver Coins, Basel, 2009.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Bitkin, Vladimir, Composite Catalogue of Russian Coins, Part I (1699-1740), Kiev: Moneta, 2003.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
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