Russia 1839 1-1/2 rubles
This specimen was lot 21787 in Heritage sale 3010 (Boston, August 2010), where it sold for $46,000. The catalog description[1] noted, "Nicholas I Battle of Borodino 1 1/2 Roubles 1839, by H. Gube, Bust right with radiant eye above/Monument with value below, MS63 PCGS. Attractive rose-gray patina over fully mirrored fields with bold definition. The nicest example of this very popular issue we have seen." The 1½ ruble denomination (which equalled ten Polish zlotych) was used only in the 1830's for some very rare commemoratives, including this one[2]. This type is well out of the reach of ordinary collectors and was accompanied by a one ruble (Dav-288). It commemorates the Battle of Borodino, where Russian troops defeated Napoleon and forced him to abandon his invasion.
Recorded mintage: 6,000.
Specification: 31.1 g, 0.868 fine silver, .868 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: Bit 892, KM C173, Dav-287.
- 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.
- [1]Tucker, Warren, Scott Cordry and John Kraljevich, Heritage Sale 3010: World Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2010.
- [2]There were circulating 1½ rouble coins for Poland struck by Russian mints as well as Polish mints.
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