Russia 1881-SP NF 3 rubles
This specimen was lot 21509 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Philadelphia, August 2018), where it sold for $8,400. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. 3 Ruble, 1881-CNB HI. PCGS MS-64 Secure Holder. Slightly reflective in the fields around the eagle motif with a frostier appearance in the reverse surfaces. A SCARCE denomination, especially in this lovely near-Gem grade, and particularly intriguing as a transition year issue where coins were stuck under the titles of both Alexander II and his son Alexander III." This type is listed for 1869-85 and is fairly common in circulated condition altho never struck in the numbers of the larger five rubles. The denomination was suspended after this issue.
Recorded mintage: 48,000.
Specification: 3.92 g, 0.917 fine gold, .115 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Fr-164; Y-26.
- 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.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Harris, Robert P., Guidebook of Russian Coins, 1725 to 1970, Santa Cruz, CA: Bonanza Press, 1971.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, Kyle Ponterio and Chris Chatigny, The August 2018 Philadelphia ANA Auction: World Coins and Selections from the El Dorado Collection of Colombian Coins, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2018.
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