Russia 1779-SP FL ruble Dav-1685
This specimen was lot 3019 in Sincona sale 77 (Zürich, May 2022), where it sold for 800 CHF (about US$971 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"RUSSIA | Russian Empire and Federation, Rouble 1779, St. Petersburg Mint, SPB FL. (empire of Russia, Catherine II, 1762-96, ruble of 1779, St. Petersburg mint. 2.5 roubles according to Petrov. Extremely fine. Extraordinary condition. lightly cleaned.)"
The coinage of Russia of the eighteenth century is a confusing and fascinating subject. This type, issued 1763-82, is fairly common altho this date is low mintage. Catherine the Great began life as an obscure German princess but became czarina after the murder of her husband. The rubles of Peter II were about 28 grams but this type is only 24 grams.
Recorded mintage: 413,000.
Specification: 24 g, 0.750 fine silver, this specimen 24.22 g.
Catalog reference: KM-C67b, Bitkin 227, Dav-1685.
- 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.
- Harris, Robert P., Guidebook of Russian Coins, 1725 to 1970, Santa Cruz, CA: Bonanza Press, 1971.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 77, World Coins and Medals, Bullion Auction, Coins and Medals of Switzerland, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2022.
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