Russia 1787-SP YA poltina
This specimen was lot 30557 in Heritage sale 3037 (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $3,995. The catalog description[1] noted, "Catherine II Poltina (1/2 Rouble) 1787 CПБ-ЯA AU50 NGC, St. Petersburg mint, Obv. Crowned bust right. Rev. Crowned double-headed Imperial eagle with date and value. Lightly toned, with attractive argent-gray patina over fully lustrous surfaces. A small flan flaw is noted on the reverse edge at 3 o'clock, otherwise, the tiny imperfections are insignificant. Rare in this condition." This poltina or half ruble was struck in this style 1785-96. Like the other poltinas of the eighteenth century, it is scarce.
Reported Mintage: 57,000.
Specification: 12 g, 0.750 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM C66c, Bitkin-312 (R), Diakov-552 (R1).
- Bitkin, Vladimir, Composite Catalogue of Russian Coins, Part II (1740-1917), Kiev: Moneta, 2003.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Harris, Robert P., Guidebook of Russian Coins, 1725 to 1970, Santa Cruz, CA: Bonanza Press, 1971.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Scott Cordry, Heritage Signature Auction 3037, featuring the Empire, the Santa Catarina, the Law and the Santa Maria Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
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