Russia 1875-SP NI poltina
This specimen was lot 452 in Sincona sale 84 (Zürich, October 2023), where it sold for 34,000 CHF (about US$45,786 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"RUSSIA Russian Empire and Federation, Poltina 1875, St. Petersburg Mint, SPB NI. Proof. Very rare, especially in this condition. 2.5 roubles according to Petrov. NGC PF65. Cabinet piece with magnificent patina. From the Soedermann Collection, auction SINCONA 7, Zürich, October 2012, lot 1444 (price realized: CHF 20,000 CHF)."
This type was struck 1866-85 and most dates are rare. Only the 1877, 1878 and 1880 are at all available. We speculate that few were struck because, unlike the other minor coinage, the poltina was not debased to 0.500 fine. In 1886 the poltina was superseded by a fifty kopek piece weighing 10 g, 0.900 fine silver.
Recorded mintage: 14,000.
Specification: 10.36 g, 0.868 fine silver, this specimen 10.30 g.
Catalog reference: KM Y24, Bitkin 119 (R).
- 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]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 84, Russian Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2023.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
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