Russia 1844-SP KB 5 kopeks
This specimen was lot 74527 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $432. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. 5 Kopeks, 1844-CNB KB. St. Petersburg Mint. Nicholas I. NGC MS-64. Sporting a deep ring of iridescence around a small argent center on the obverse, this enticing near-Gem presents a completely toned reverse, making it a stellar addition for any fan of toners. From the Sigma Collection." This type was struck 1832-58 in large numbers and this is a lower mintage date. In 1859, the silver was reduced to 0.750 fine and reduced again to 0.500 fine in 1867. Copper five kopeks were struck at Ekaterinburg 1850-76.
Recorded mintage: 401,000, a lower mintage date.
Specification: 1.036 g, 0.868 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-C163; Bit-397.
- 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]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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