Russia 1895 5 russ
This specimen was lot 42718 in Stack's Bowers Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction (Pittsburgh, September 2026), where it sold for $1,159,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"The First Auction Appearance of a Gold 1/3 Imperial Pattern in Over a Decade, RUSSIA. Gold 5 Ruses (1/3 Imperial) Pattern, 1895. St. Petersburg Mint. Nicholas II. NGC PROOF-64 Cameo. A single-year gold Pattern issue of this interesting unimplemented experimental denomination, and the smallest of three Russ Pattern coins within the series. Of the UTMOST RARITY, and lacking a mintage figure in Uzdenikov or Severin, with Bitkin estimating two to three copies known. Our research of public auction archives reveals only eight sales of the type since 1924, the last occurring in 2014 with our sale of a complete three-piece Russ Pattern set from the collection of George Gund III (8/2014 - Lots # 1545-47). Including the aforementioned set, we are aware of only two other complete sets. One set of all three Patterns resides within the Smithsonian museum. Another complete set was auctioned by Stack's Rare Coins (3/1988 - Lot # 2204) and previously by Adolph Hess & Bank Leu (11/1968 - Lot # 531). Only a handful of additional examples would seem to exist. The present piece is one of only two examples certified of the type by NGC (the other being the George Gund III specimen), and is the only example granted the Cameo designation. No examples of the type have yet been certified by PCGS.
Due to the EXTREME RARITY of these experimental Patterns from Russia's monetary reform of 1895, which would culminate in the adoption of the gold standard in 1897, they may be considered paramount among Russian numismatic issues of the 19th century. The condition of the present specimen is additionally beyond reproach, the portrait and eagle struck up with full frost, the fields glowing with mirrorlike reflectivity, with only a few wispy lines evident in line with the near-Gem grade. A few small thread-like strikethroughs are visible about the denomination and inside the reverse rim from roughly 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock; these do little to detract from the overall appearance and are not an uncommon characteristic of freshly polished dies, but may aid in the tracing of a pedigree. Interestingly, the coin possesses a plain edge, instead of the inscribed or reeded edges typically found on Russian coins of this era. All in all, a wonderful emission from the final ruler of the Russian Empire and for which we expect spirited competition. From the Charles “Cheech” Litman Collection."
Patterns denominated 10 russ (KM Pn145) and 15 russ (KM Pn146, equal to 10 rubles) also exist.
Recorded mintage: 5.
Specification: 4.30 g, 0.900 fine gold, 19.6 mm diameter, plain edge.
Catalog reference: Fr-176 ("Extremely Rare"); KM-Pn144; Bit-341 (R4); Sev-550 (RRRR); Uzd-317.
- 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.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2026.
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