Russia 1837-SP 3 rubles

Stack's Bowers 2014 ANA sale, lot 1505

This specimen was lot 1505 in Stack's Bowers ANA auction (Chicago, August 2014), where it sold for $8,225. The catalog description^[1] noted, "RUSSIA. 3 Ruble, 1837-CNB. PCGS AU-58 Secure Holder. Attractive lustrous surfaces. Only the lightest evidence of handling and wear." This type was struck 1828-45 and is the most available of the platinum denominations of three, six and twelve rubles. 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: 46,000.

Specification: 10.35 g, platinum, .332 troy oz APW.

Catalog reference: Bitkin 83, Fr-160, KM C177.

Source:

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.
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.
Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
^[1]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2014 Chicago ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Featuring the David O'Harrow Collection, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2014.

Link to:

Russia 1837-SP 3 rubles

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