Russia 1883-SP DS 5 rubles
This specimen was lot 21433 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), where it sold for $44,650. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. 5 Ruble, 1883-CNB AC. PCGS PROOF-65 CAMEO Secure Holder. The only coin seen in proof at PCGS and NGC from this mint master (Dmitri Sabaneev). Struck the year of Alexander III's coronation and prior to his portrait gold coinage which commenced three years later. An absolutely breathtaking coin, with deep dark watery mirrors in the fields and exquisite fine satin frost on the legends and devices. No breaks to the frost can be seen anywhere, with the open areas in the fields equally impressive and free of marks or abrasions. Bold bright yellow gold and without tone. All Russian Imperial gold is highly prized in PROOF, this piece being no exception, and at this grade level the coin is in a class all by itself. For those collectors seeking only the finest in RARE Russian gold, a piece that is sure to fire the imagination. From the Kiev Collection. Ex: Stack's CICF March 1988 Sale, Lot #2201." This type is listed for 1859-85 and is fairly common in circulated condition. In 1886, the standard was revised to match the French twenty francs d'or, resulting in a weight reduction to .186 troy oz.
Recorded mintage: 5,632,000 (including assayer AG).
Specification: 6.54 g, 0.917 fine gold, .192 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Fr-165; Y-B26; Bit-3; Sev-518.
- 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.
- 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.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2016 Anaheim ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2016.
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