Russia 1859-SP FB poltina
This specimen was lot 21330 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $1,680. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. Poltina (1/2 Ruble), 1859-CNB OB. Alexander II. NGC PROOF-62. An attractive proof with reflective fields and pervasive multicolor toning on both sides. A stunning example that clearly sat for a prolonged period of time undisturbed sure to please. A lovely representative of the type certain excite collectors abound. Ex. Hesselgesser Collection." This is the first year of the new type, struck until 1885. Proofs exist for some dates.
Recorded mintage: 1,392,000 + proofs.
Specification: 10.36 g, 0.868 fine silver, .289 troy oz ASW, 28.5 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-Y24; Bit-97.
- 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]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The January 2020 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2019.
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