Russia 1902 37-1/2 rubles
This specimen was lot 30 in Sincona sale 5 (Zürich, May 2012), where it sold for 120,000 CHF (about US$147,660 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"RUSSLAND Nikolaus II. 1894-1917. 37 ½ Rubel - 100 Francs 1902. Av. Bärtiger Kopf des Zaren nach links. Rv. Gekrönter Doppelader mit Zepter und Reichsapfel in den Fängen, auf der Brust St. Georgsschild, umgeben von der Kette des Andreasordens. Auf den Flügeln je vier weitere Wappenschilde. Sehr selten, nur 225 Exemplare geprägt. NGC MS61. FDC. (Russia, Nicholas II, 1894-1917, 37.5 rubles = 100 francs, 1902. Obverse: bearded head of the czar to right; reverse: crowned, double-headed eagle with scepter and orb in claws, St. George on its breast. Very rare, uncirculated.)"
This piece, struck to the standard of a French hundred francs, probably never progressed beyond a pattern or presentation piece. Gold five and ten rubles exist for 1902.
Recorded mintage: 225.
Specification: 32.25 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Bitkin 315, Uzdenikov 4212, Friedberg 170, KM YB65.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th 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.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 7th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2003.
- [1]Numismatic Coins, Medals, Banknotes & Books: Auction 6, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2012.
Link to: