Russia 1864-SP NF 5 kopeks
This specimen was lot 72738 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Santa Ana, CA, October 2019), where it sold for $360. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. 5 Kopeks, 1864-CNB HO. St. Petersburg Mint. Alexander II. NGC MS-64. A lovely little near GEM survivor with nice satiny surfaces and light attractive tone." 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. Today, the silver piece is available (probably due to hoarding) but the copper type (KM Y12.2) is hard to find in nice condition. This type was struck 1860-66 before the denomination was reduced in weight and fineness in 1867 (Y19a.1). The last copper 5 kopeks was struck in 1881.
Recorded mintage: 240,000.
Specification: 1.03 g, 0.750 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-Y19.2; Bit-210.
- 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 October 2019 Collector's Choice Sale: World and Ancient Coins, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2019.
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