Russia 1870-SP HI poltina
This specimen was lot 25395 in Heritage sale 3019 (Chicago, April 2012), where it sold for $862.50. The catalog description[2] noted, "Alexander II Poltina (1/2 Rouble) 1870 CПБ-HI, Crowned double-headed Imperial eagle with beaded circle / Crowned date and value in wreath, VF35 PCGS. Gray-russet patina with moderate handling marks as one might expect of the grade. A very low mintage of 6,005 pieces, and much scarcer than even this low mintage might suggest." Altho struck in much smaller numbers than the contemporary ruble, this type struck 1859-85 has a lower catalog value. In 1886 the poltina was superseded by a fifty kopek piece weighing 10 g, 0.900 fine.
Recorded mintage: 6,005.
Specification: 10.36 g, 0.868 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Bitkin 111, KM Y24.
- 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.
- [2]Tucker, Warren, and Cristiano Bierrenbach, World and Ancient Coins sale 3019, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2012.
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