Russia 1871-EM 1/4 kopek

Sincona sale 78, lot 527

This specimen was lot 527 in Sincona sale 78 (Zürich, October 2022), where it sold for 350 CHF (about US$420 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted, "RUSSIA | Russian Empire and Federation | Alexander II. 1855-1881, 1/4 Kopeck 1871, Ekaterinburg Mint, EM. 2 roubles according to Ilyin. NGC MS61 RB." This type was struck at Ekaterinburg and St. Petersburg 1867-81. It is the smallest denomination struck by the tsarist regime and was commonly called a polushka. The SCWC reports that the weight was reduced from 3 g to 0.80 g in 1894 but we think that the reduction occurred quite a bit earlier, perhaps in 1850.

Recorded mintage: 155,000.

Specification: 0.80 g, copper.

Catalog reference: KM Y7.1, Bitkin 446 (R1).

Source:

• 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]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 78, Russian Coins and Medals, The Grigoriy Stakhorsky Collection, Part 1 and other Properties, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2022.

Links to:

• 1869-EM ¼ kopek, Ekaterinburg mint
• 1871-EM ½ kopek, Ekaterinburg mint
• 1871-СПБ ½ kopek
• 1871-СПБ НI silver 5 kopeks
• 1871-СПБ HI 10 kopeks
• 1871-СПБ HI 20 kopeks
• 1871-CПБ HI ruble
• 1871-СПБ НI 3 rubles
• 1871-CПБ HI 5 rubles
• 1872-EM ¼ kopek, Ekaterinburg mint
• Coins and currency dated 1871