Russia 1848-SP HI 5 kopeks
This specimen was lot 31169 in Heritage sale 3081 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $1,560. The catalog description[1] noted, "Russia: Nicholas I Proof 5 Kopecks 1848 СПБ-HI PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS, St. Petersburg mint. Obv. Crowned double-eagle holding orb and scepter. Rev. Crowned date and value in wreath. A stunning gem example with bold details and highly reflective fields. None have been certified finer." Assayer's initials HI stand for Nikolai Iossa. This type was struck 1832-58. The Russian government does not seem to have been able to make up its mind whether the five kopeks denomination should be a small silver coin, as here, or a large copper coin. Both were struck during the 1840's. Today, the silver piece is readily available (probably due to hoarding) but the copper type (KM C152) is hard to find in nice condition.
Recorded mintage: 1,000,000.
Specification: 1.03 g, 0.868 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM C163, Bit-404.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3081, featuring the Caranett Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
Link to: