Russia 1791-SP 5 rubles Fr-130b
This specimen was lot 3339 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2017), where it sold for $23,500. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. 5 Ruble, 1791-CNB. Catherine II (The Great) (1762-96). PCGS AU-58 Secure Holder. RARE late reign gold piece. Well struck from slightly worn dies with fresh surfaces and considerable glowing luster. No signs of contact observable to the naked eye and only the most minor brush of handling wear keeping this piece out of full mint state status. Lightly toned, some mild haymarking on the reverse. From the Dr. Michael Popoff Collection. Ex: Coin Galleries Sale 04/14, 1999, Lot #894." This type was struck 1783-96 and superseded the five rubles of the Czarina Elizabeth which were 8.23 grams.
Recorded mintage: 48,000.
Specification: 6.54 g, 0.917 fine gold, .192 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Fr-130b; C-78c; Bit-93 (R1); Dia-669; Sev-344.
- 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.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The January 2017 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Richard Stuart Collection, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2016.
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