Russia 1830-SP 6 rubles
The first specimen was lot 7356 in Ponterio sale 152 (New York, January 2010), where it sold for $26,450. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. 6 Rubles, 1830. VERY RARE. Prooflike. NGC MS-64." The second specimen was lot 1001 in Stack's "Vermuele, Ward & Mexico Maxico" sale (New York, January 2010), where it sold for $51,750. The catalog description[2] noted, "RUSSIA. Nicholas I, 1825-1855. Proof Platinum 6 Rubles, 1830 CΠБ. St. Petersburg. Imperial eagle bearing three shields on each wing, Collar of the Order of St. Andrew First Called. Rv. Statement of weight in Ural Platinum surrounds circle with denomination stated as 6 Rubles in Silver. Liquid-glass mirror fields reflect a splendid silver-gray, highlighting the subtly frosted and flawless devices and framed by partial wire rims to create a symphony of glittering beauty. Reportedly 8,610 strikes were produced on this date, but the Proof mintage was simply minuscule and any specimens from it have been avidly sought-after ever since. Proof-66 (NGC). Ex George Gund III Sale (Stack's, January 2007, Lot 3380); previously ex Louis E. Eliasberg Collection (ANR, April 2005, Lot 2036); previously ex B. Max Mehl, private treaty."
So far as is known, Russia is the only country ever to attempt to strike platinum for circulation with this series of three, six and twelve rubles issued 1829-45. The experiment was not a success as the metal is as hard as nickel, making it difficult to strike, and its price kept dropping relative to gold, discounting the value of the coin. In fact, platinum was used extensively by counterfeiters in the nineteenth century to make fake gold coins as the metal has nearly the same density.
Recorded mintage: 8,610. The SCWC notes restrikes may exist.
Specification: 20.71 g, platinum, .6655 troy oz APW.
Catalog reference: Fr-159; C-178; Bitikin-56; Sev-599.
- 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, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, and Kent Ponterio, Ponterio sale 152: The 2010 NYINC Auction, Irvine, CA: Bowers and Merena, 2009.
- [2]Kraljevich, John, and Frank Van Valen, The Vermuele, Ward & Mexico Maxico Collections, New York: Stack's, 2009.
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