Russia 1868-SP kopek
This specimen was lot 33187 in Heritage sale 3089 (Dallas, TX, January 2021), where it sold for $2,220. The catalog description[1] noted, "Russia. Alexander II Proof Kopeck 1868-CΠБ PR65 Brown PCGS, St. Petersburg mint, By all indications an incredibly rare Proof striking of this typically unremarkable copper minor, entirely unpublished in this format according to our research, and missing from the Sincona Collection, with only one other so certified at either NGC or PCGS. Gorgeously toned to a dark navy, the fields are intensively mirrored, a feature discernable even from an arm's length." This type was minted in large quantities 1867-1914. Most dates are common but the proofs are rare.
Recorded mintage: 750,000 for 1867-68.
Specification: 3.28 g, copper, 21.6 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: cf. KM Y9.2 (unlisted in Proof), Bit-533, Brekke-107.
- 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.
- Brekke, B. F., The Copper Coinage of Imperial Russia, 1700-1917, New York, Galerie des Monnaies, 1977, with 1987 supplement.
- Harris, Robert P., Guidebook of Russian Coins, 1725 to 1970, Santa Cruz, CA: Bonanza Press, 1971.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage Auction 3089: NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum & Signature Auction - Dallas, featuring the Cape Coral Collection of European Crowns and the Penn Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2020.
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