Russia 1789-SP YA ruble Dav-1686
This specimen was lot 105 in Sincona Auction 99 (Zürich, October 2025), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"RUSSLAND Kaiserreich und Föderation, Catherine II. 1762-1796, Rouble 1789, St. Petersburg Mint, SPB YaA. Seltener Jahrgang, Vorzüglich. (empire of Russia, Catherine II. 1762-1796, ruble of 1789, St. Petersburg mint. Rare date. 3 roubles according to Petrov. 3 roubles according to Ilyin. Extremely Fine.)"
This type, issued 1783-96, is fairly common altho this is a slightly better date. 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: 500,000.
Specification: 24 g, 0.750 fine silver, 39 mm diameter, reeded edge, this specimen 23.49 g.
Catalog reference: KM C67c, Bitkin 249. Dav-1686.
- Bitkin, Vladimir, Composite Catalogue of Russian Coins, Part II (1740-1917), Kiev: Moneta, 2003.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Harris, Robert P., Guidebook of Russian Coins, 1725 to 1970, Santa Cruz, CA: Bonanza Press, 1971.
- [1]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 99: Russian Coins and Medals, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
Link to: