Russia 1781-KM 5 kopeks
The first specimen was lot 147 in Sincona sale 84 (Zürich, October 2023), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"RUSSIA Russian Empire and Federation, 5 Kopecks 1781, Suzun, KM. Rare. 10 roubles according to Petrov. 2 roubles according to Ilyin. Extremely fine. Extraordinary condition."
The second specimen was lot 42687 in Stack's Bowers Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction (Pittsburgh, September 2026), where it sold for $2,684. The catalog description[2] noted, "RUSSIA. 5 Kopeks, 1781-KM. Suzan Mint. Catherine II (the Great). NGC MS-65 Brown. A stunning Gem Mint State 5 Kopeks that stands alone atop the NGC Census, this 5 Kopeks provides enticing surface quality that is EXTREMELY RARE on Catherine the Great's Copper coinage. A phenomenal representative that will do well for the collector seeking only the finest of examples for their holdings. Please note, the image of the coin is not clipped but cut off by the NGC slab." This type was struck 1781-96 in the Suzun (Kolyvan) mint for circulation in Russia during the reign of Catherine the Great. Hundreds of millions of copper five kopeks were issued between the Annensk, Moscow, Sestroretsk, Kolyvan, Ekaterinburg and St. Petersburg mints. Five kopeks struck for Siberia (KM C6) had martens on the reverse and a lower weight.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 51.2 g, copper, this specimen 54.16 g.
Catalog reference: KM-C59.5; Bit-781 (R1).
- 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 84, Russian Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2023.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2026.
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