Russia 1885-SP AG poltina
This specimen was lot 74544 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $5,280. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. Poltina (1/2 Ruble), 1885-CNB AT. St. Petersburg Mint. Alexander III. NGC Unc Details--Cleaned. The final date in this particular series, and one which boasts a very scant mintage figure, this RARE example does exhibit some minor cleaning as noted, but that matters little with respect to its overall appeal. Highly brilliant and attractive, with a great lustrous nature and very subtle tone. From the Sigma Collection." 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 In 1886, the poltina was superseded by a fifty kopek piece weighing 10 g, 0.900 fine.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: 511, a rare date.
Specification: 10.36 g, 0.868 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-Y24; Bit-53.
- 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.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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