Russia 1773-KM 5 kopeks
This specimen was lot 319 in Sincona sale 78 (Zürich, October 2022), where it sold for 225 CHF (about US$270 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA | Russian Empire and Federation | Catherine II. 1762-1796, 5 Kopecks 1773, Suzun Mint, KM. Very fine-extremely fine." This type was struck throughout the reign of Catherine the Great, who used large mintages of copper to sustain government expenses. The Suzun (Kolyvan) mint struck this type for Siberia 1763-80. It is lighter than the standard five kopeks, which was 51 g. On this type, two martens support a shield with the date and value.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 32.80 g, copper, this specimen 35.57 g.
Catalog reference: KM C5, Bitkin 1072.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Bitkin, Vladimir, Composite Catalogue of Russian Coins, Part II (1740-1917), Kiev: Moneta, 2003.
- Brekke, B. F., The Copper Coinage of Imperial Russia, 1700-1917, New York, Galerie des Monnaies, 1977, with 1987 supplement.
- Harris, Robert P., Guidebook of Russian Coins, 1725 to 1970, Santa Cruz, CA: Bonanza Press, 1971.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 78, Russian Coins and Medals, The Grigoriy Stakhorsky Collection, Part 1 and other Properties, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2022.
Links to: